New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner engaged in an angry back-and-forth with fellow players past and present during a social media spat about where he ranked among active NFL cornerbacks.
Detroit Lions newcomer C.J. Gardner-Johnson and ex-New England Patriots defender Asante Samuel claimed Gardner is overrated because of the city he plays in. But former New York Jets cornerback, and soon-to-be-inducted Hall of Famer, Darrelle Revis disputed the effect of playing in New York, while Gardner called Gardner-Johnson a hater for his criticism.
"Yeahh, @CGJXXIII just came out of nowhere hating on me, but he was just in my RP server getting robbed," wrote Gardner on Twitter after the group debated his abilities in a public Twitter Spaces session. "I think that's why he mad."
Gardner-Johnson replied, "Listen lil bra ion hate!!! U got my number !!!"
A list ranking NFL cornerbacks from ESPN ignited the feud, with Gardner awarded the second spot in the order despite playing professionally for only one season. ESPN formed the list using a poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts.
In a Twitter reply to Samuel about New York's big-market role in boosting his credentials, Gardner pointed out that ESPN's poll didn't consult reporters. He wrote: "The tweet literally says those were the cornerback rankings by PLAYERS, EXECUTIVES, SCOUTS, & COACHES… I'm trynna figure out why you keep bringing up NY Media."
"Quit being a hater when it comes to young rising stars @ the cornerback position," Revis said as he defended Gardner. "Be mad @ the voters who never considered you shutdown."
Gardner earned all kinds of recognition in his first NFL season after the Jets drafted him fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati. He won Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year, made First-Team All-Pro and earned Pro Bowl honours.
It can be difficult to quantify the impact of defensive backs through statistics because quarterbacks avoid throwing anywhere near the very best ones. Still, Gardner did well when opponents targeted his side of the field. He made two interceptions, deflected an NFL-best 20 passes and held quarterbacks to a 53.5 per cent completion rate on balls thrown near him.
Gardner eventually decided to take the high road in the cornerback ranking argument, writing, "It's enough room on this Earth for everybody to eat."
The 22-year-old could be part of a Super Bowl contending team in 2023, as the Jets upgraded at quarterback from Zach Wilson to Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers to revamp an offence that held them back last campaign. As a result of that switch, Gardner and his fellow defensive players may have less pressure on them to get stops each possession, knowing Rodgers can put up big point totals on the other side of the ball.
Gardner already appears to be getting along well with Rodgers, and they've developed a handshake that finishes with them pretending to smoke marijuana. They also recently enjoyed dinner with one another, where they spoke about the coming season.
"There's no pressure when it comes to playing in New York, you've got to tell yourself, 'I'm built for this,'" Gardner said. "Me and Aaron, we caught ourselves, telling each other, 'I'm built for this.'"
