Despite the separation, there seems to be mutual respect between Sauce Gardner and Aaron Rodgers
While they haven’t talked recently, Gardner remains focused on the future and seems excited about the challenge of facing Rodgers on the field.
The Week 1 clash will not only reunite former teammates but also set the tone for two teams with very different outlooks. For the Jets, it’s a chance to prove their rebuild is headed in the right direction.
For Rodgers and the Steelers, it’s about showing the league that the veteran still has enough magic to lead a team to the playoffs.
By calling out “fake narratives,” Gardner is taking control of his own story. He’s reminding fans and critics alike that greatness doesn’t require validation — it speaks for itself.
As long as Sauce continues locking down receivers and leading by example, his impact will resonate — on the field, in the locker room, and beyond. Whether fans love him or doubt him, one thing’s for certain: Sauce Gardner isn’t changing for anyone. And the league is better for it.
Also Read: Sauce Gardner Hits Back at Fan’s Wild Sex Allegation with Strong Response
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Sauce Gardner Talks About Relationship With Aaron Rodgers After Jets Departure
New York Jets star cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner recently opened up about the status of his relationship with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.1
After two eventful seasons as teammates — including one filled with high hopes that ended in disappointment — the pair have now gone their separate ways.
Rodgers has moved on to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Jets are entering a new era under head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Justin Fields.
In a candid conversation with Complex, Gardner gave insight into whether the two have remained in contact and what the Week 1 reunion might look like when the Jets and Steelers square off to open the 2025 season.
no chance😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/AnSS8HNZ85
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) July 2, 2025
From Teammates to Rivals: The Gardner-Rodgers Timeline
Sauce Gardner and Aaron Rodgers joined forces in 2023 when Rodgers was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets in a highly anticipated move. With one of the league’s best young defenses and a proven veteran quarterback, the Jets looked primed for a deep playoff run.
However, things took a disastrous turn just four snaps into the season when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles. He was ruled out for the remainder of the 2023 campaign, throwing the Jets’ season into chaos.
Gardner, already a Pro Bowl-caliber player, continued to anchor the defense, but without a consistent quarterback, New York fell short of expectations.
The 2024 season saw Rodgers make a full recovery and return to the field. He started all 17 games and put up solid numbers — 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions — but it wasn’t enough to salvage a Jets team plagued by inconsistency and internal turmoil.
The team ended the year with just five wins, leading to the firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
A New Era for the Jets
Following the disappointing 2024 season, sweeping changes were made across the Jets organization.
Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was brought in as the new head coach, while the front office made a bold move by trading for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
Fields, still just 26 years old, is seen as a high-upside player with dual-threat capabilities. The hope is that his dynamic skill set can revitalize a Jets offense that has struggled for years, while Gardner continues to lead a top-tier defensive unit.
Meanwhile, Rodgers, at 41, signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move surprised many, but it offered the veteran QB a chance to compete on a team with a strong defense, young offensive weapons, and a respected coach in Mike Tomlin.
Sauce Gardner’s Update
No Contact Yet, But Mutual Respect Remains
When asked about his current relationship with Rodgers, Sauce Gardner admitted that the two have not spoken since Rodgers left New York.2
“I feel like we seen us having to play each other week one. We really just seen the future — I’m joking about that. But no, we haven’t really talked,” Gardner said. “We play each other week one. I’m sure we going to talk before that, and it’s going to be a good game.”
While there may be no ongoing communication, Gardner’s words suggest there’s no animosity. Instead, the cornerback seems focused on the upcoming matchup and the opportunity to line up against the quarterback he once called a teammate.
Week 1 Showdown: Jets vs. Steelers
The NFL couldn’t have written a better storyline for Week 1. The Jets and Steelers will open the 2025 season in what’s sure to be a highly anticipated matchup. Rodgers will return to MetLife Stadium, where he played only one full season but left a significant mark.
For Gardner, the game represents a unique challenge. While he never got to face Rodgers in practice due to the injury in 2023, he’ll now get his first real chance to test his skills against one of the most cerebral quarterbacks in the game.
It will also be a significant test for Justin Fields, who will be making his debut in green and white. Fields will face a Pittsburgh defense known for its aggressive pass rush and ball-hawking secondary — a tough challenge for any QB, let alone one trying to win over a new fan base.
Rodgers’ 2024 Campaign: A Veteran’s Resurgence
Though the Jets’ season didn’t go as planned in 2024, Aaron Rodgers showed he still had plenty left in the tank after recovering from his Achilles injury.
At 40 years old, Rodgers completed 368 of 584 passes (63%) for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
His arm strength and poise remained intact, but the Jets struggled with offensive line issues, drops, and inconsistent play-calling. Still, Rodgers’ presence was enough to keep the team competitive in many games.
Unfortunately, close losses and off-field instability derailed their campaign.
Sauce Gardner’s Rise to Superstar Status
Since entering the league in 2022, Sauce Gardner has quickly become one of the most dominant cornerbacks in football.3
He earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and followed that up with a second consecutive All-Pro selection.
Known for his elite coverage skills, swagger, and football IQ, Gardner is the kind of cornerstone player teams dream of building around.
He’s already shut down some of the game’s best receivers, and now he’ll get a shot at picking off a quarterback he used to call a mentor.
What to Expect in Week 1
When the Jets and Steelers clash to open the 2025 season, expect fireworks. The spotlight will be on Rodgers’ return to New York, Fields’ first start with the Jets, and of course, the face-off between Rodgers and Gardner.
Defensively, Gardner will likely be matched up against George Pickens or Diontae Johnson, but you can be sure he’ll be watching Rodgers closely — reading his eyes, jumping routes, and hoping to make a statement early in the season.
Offensively, Fields will need to manage the game and avoid costly turnovers. The Jets’ revamped offensive line and play-calling staff will play key roles in setting him up for success.
Leadership Void and Locker Room Shift
Rodgers’ departure undoubtedly leaves a leadership vacuum in the Jets locker room.
Though his time in New York was brief and marred by injury, his influence was notable. Young players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall often spoke about how much they learned from the veteran QB.
Now, that leadership burden will fall on the shoulders of players like Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, and Fields.
Gardner has already demonstrated maturity beyond his years and will likely take on an even larger leadership role moving forward.
Rodgers in Pittsburgh: A Perfect Fit?
While many questioned Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh, the pairing makes football sense. The Steelers have one of the NFL’s best defenses, a reliable offensive line, and promising young receivers in George Pickens and Diontae Johnson.
Rodgers brings experience and calm to a team that has been looking for a stable quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. If he stays healthy, the Steelers could be legitimate contenders in the AFC.
Also Read: Aaron Glenn Takes Over as Jets Head Coach: Former MVP Raises Serious Concerns
Sauce Gardner Claps Back at “Fake Narratives”
A Deeper Look into His Bold Response
In today’s NFL, where narratives spread like wildfire across social media and sports talk shows, players are often scrutinized not just for their performance, but for how they fit into storylines driven by fans and analysts alike.
Sauce Gardner — one of the league’s premier cornerbacks and the face of the New York Jets defense — recently clapped back at what he called “fake narratives.”
His message was clear: the same people who once celebrated his underdog story now question his value despite his continued dominance.
Gardner’s response sheds light on the highs and lows of life in the NFL spotlight. Let’s dive into the significance of his comments, his performance in 2024, and the evolution of public perception surrounding one of the league’s most electrifying young stars.
The Underdog Origins: From Cincinnati to the NFL
Sauce Gardner, whose real name is Ahmad Gardner, didn’t enter college football as a household name.
Recruited to the University of Cincinnati — a program far from the traditional college football powerhouses — Gardner quickly made a name for himself through his elite ball skills, physical style, and undeniable swagger.
As a Bearcat, he didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage during his entire college career — a feat that drew national attention. That “underdog” identity became a defining part of his brand.
He wasn’t a five-star recruit with a golden path to the league. He was a self-made star, which made his rise all the more endearing to fans and analysts.
“When you the underdog, everybody wants to see you eat, everybody wants to see you succeed,” Gardner reflected in a recent interview.
Sauce Gardner: Social Media Pressure and Mental Fortitude
Gardner’s comments also highlight the unique challenges modern NFL stars face. In an era where every play is dissected online and every quote goes viral, maintaining mental strength is critical.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) amplify both praise and criticism — and athletes are often caught in the crossfire.
Sauce Gardner, with over a million followers and a magnetic personality, is more visible than most. His social media presence invites engagement — positive and negative — and he’s not shy about clapping back when narratives turn toxic.
This ability to stay true to himself while navigating immense pressure speaks to his maturity and self-awareness.
Backed by the Tape: What the Film Shows
For those who go beyond surface stats and watch the game film, Gardner’s dominance is crystal clear. His footwork, recovery speed, and instinctive play are elite.
He routinely shadows WR1s and limits explosive plays. Analysts who study tape have continued to praise his technique and field awareness.
Gardner’s ability to disrupt timing routes and jam receivers at the line makes life incredibly difficult for opposing offenses. The lack of interceptions isn’t a flaw — it’s a testament to how often quarterbacks refuse to challenge him.
Sauce Gardner: Paid Partnership
Sauce Gardner tied up in a paid partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings and promoting on his instagram account.
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The Jets’ Defensive Identity Starts With Sauce
The New York Jets have built one of the league’s most respected defenses, and Sauce Gardner is its spiritual leader. His confidence and presence set the tone for a unit that thrives on aggression, swagger, and physicality.
His ability to shut down one half of the field gives the Jets’ defensive coordinator the freedom to get creative with blitz packages and zone schemes elsewhere. In that regard, Gardner’s impact goes far beyond his personal stat line.
Sauce’s Message to the Doubters
- By confronting the criticism head-on, Gardner is sending a message: he’s not going to let false narratives define him. He’s proud of how far he’s come and confident in where he’s going.
- “I don’t do this for people’s approval,” he has said in past interviews. “I know what I bring to the table.”
- It’s that unshakable self-belief that fuels his play and cements his leadership role in the Jets’ locker room.
- Sauce Gardner isn’t just a player; he’s a symbol of what happens when raw talent meets tireless work ethic and relentless self-confidence.
- The journey from beloved underdog to polarizing superstar is one many athletes experience.
- In Gardner’s case, it has arrived quickly. Fans are quick to forget where players came from and how much work they put in to get to the top.
- The reality is, in today’s NFL, being consistently great means dealing with constant criticism. Gardner’s clapback isn’t just a defense of his play — it’s a reminder that athletes are more than just their weekly stat lines.
- They’re people navigating an unforgiving media ecosystem.
Also Read: Davante Adams Speaks Out on His Shocking First Half Performance Against Jaguars
