New York Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner opened up Thursday night about what it's like to have future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a teammate in the intense spotlight of New York, a city notorious for its media frenzy.
Gardner, who has had a remarkable start to his NFL career, made history as the first cornerback since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to be named First-Team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons.
While Gardner has become the focal point of the Jets' defense, Rodgers now leads the offense as its centerpiece.
Reflecting on what it's been like to play alongside Rodgers, Gardner couldn't hide his emotions.
"I've never felt this way, ever in my life," Gardner said in an interview with Amazon's Richard Sherman before Thursday Night Football.
.@RSherman_25 catches up with @iamSauceGardner on what it's like being a leader of the @nyjets defense in just his third year.#TNFonPrimepic.twitter.com/JNniTDe36o
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 19, 2024
Since being drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NFL draft, Gardner has anchored a strong Jets defense but has seen limited team success, with the Jets posting a 14-20 record in his first two seasons, largely due to subpar quarterback play.
That's why Gardner is especially excited to have Rodgers as his teammate this season, sharing the optimism that both he and the fans feel.
"It's just a sense of confidence," Gardner added. "Let's get the ball back to Aaron and see what he can do with it."
Rodgers joined the Jets in April 2023 after a blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers, where he spent 18 seasons as their star quarterback.
The Jets acquired Rodgers, along with a 2023 first-round pick, in exchange for multiple draft selections, including a second-rounder in 2023 and a conditional pick in 2024.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2023Trade compensation, per sources:
Jets get:
Aaron Rodgers, pick No. 15, a 2023 5th-rd pick (No. 170).
Packers get:
Pick No. 13, a 2023 2nd-rd pick (No. 42), a 6th-rd pick (No. 207), a conditional 2024 2nd-rd pick that becomes a 1st if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the plays. pic.twitter.com/Q2vUMfyZGH
Rodgers also agreed to a restructured two-year deal worth $75 million guaranteed, signaling his commitment to lead the Jets into a new era of success.
With Rodgers guiding the offense and Gardner leading the defense, their partnership as teammates brings a renewed sense of possibility for the Jets this season.
