NY Jets’ Sauce Gardner: Rodgers does things ‘I’ve never seen’

Appearing on “PFT Live,” Sauce Gardner had high praise for the New York Jets’ quarterback

Sauce Gardner, per usual, had some high praise for the New York Jets’ starting quarterback.

Appearing on PFT Live, the superstar cornerback spoke about Aaron Rodgers’s leadership and his play as a quarterback.

“He’s a true leader. It’s always great to have him around. He is the best quarterback I’ve ever seen, I’ve ever played with. The things he does and the throws he can make, like, I’ve never seen them before. Not in a game, not in practice with my other quarterbacks. I’ve just never seen them,” said Gardner.

The two-time All-Pro cornerback also explained what he feels sets Rodgers apart from others at the position as a quarterback.

“I remember this one play in practice. He threw the ball to the receiver. I almost picked it. My hands were there. The ball went through my hands. My gloves had burned, like burn marks on them. It went that fast. I couldn’t believe it. I’m like, this is the first time this has ever happened. Like, he’s just different.”

How special is Aaron Rodgers as a passer? Jets CB Sauce Gardner told @PFT_Live that he thought he had an interception in practice, but the ball was thrown with such zip that it left burn marks on Sauce’s gloves. https://t.co/NdyJvyA24K

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 10, 2024

Gardner also spoke about cornerback play on the show, giving insight into his mentality as a player. He talked about still learning as a player, mentioning players like Patrick Surtain, Jalen Ramsey, Denzel Ward, and his teammate D.J. Reed as players he tries to gain knowledge from.

The Cincinnati product also discussed the best tip he received from one of his peers at the position.

“I remember Jalen (Ramsey) telling me a long time ago not to make the moment bigger than it is. That just stuck with me all the way until now. We’re having those primetime games, and they can be huge. They can rattle some people. So I’m always calm and collected, never letting the moment be too big.”

Overall, the interview showcased Rodgers’ importance to this Jets roster while providing some insight to how Gardner has developed into the player he is.

On the field, Rodgers is wholly respected by his teammates and seen as an elite quarterback. The comments by Gardner show what the future Hall-of-Famer can still do and paint a picture of a player who can elevate the team’s offense.

Rodgers’s mental skill at the position, combined with the physical ability evidently still within his grasp, are enough to inspire confidence in one of the best cornerbacks in football. It also, for better and for worse, illustrates why the Jets feel confident in making 2023 a mulligan of a season.

Regarding Gardner himself, the constant growth mentality he showcases aligns with his success on the field. Despite high levels of success, he is not unwilling to seek out further development at one of the most challenging positions in football.

As a result, the superstar cornerback has showcased not only his on-the-field ability but also his competency and skill as a leader for the Jets as a whole.

For the Jets to have success in 2024, the health and play of Aaron Rodgers is obviously paramount. But as each day passes, the significance of Gardner’s role grows, both as a player on the field and as a leader for the Jets off of it.

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