Sauce Gardner warns NY Jets fans not to buy his jersey (yet)

Sauce Gardner implored New York Jets fans to “be patient”

Sauce Gardner is already coming through in his new metropolitan defense duties. Instead of passes from Josh Allen, however, he’s covering the wallets of New York Jets fans.

In a since-deleted tweet, Gang Green’s first-round pick took to Twitter to warn fans against buying his jersey until his New York digits (or digit) have officially been decided.

“Jets fans, do not order my jersey until it’s official. I wish I could tell y’all what number I’m wearing, but I really don’t know yet. Just be patient, you’ll know real soon!!”, the tweet read.

Gardner was bestowed the No. 20 for last weekend’s activities at rookie minicamp in Florham Park but many Jets fans have clamored for the defender to adopt the No. 1 he wore during his time at Cincinnati. The fourth overall pick said last week that it is “kind of likely” he switches numbers after minicamp.

The mathematical drama has been one of the more publicized sagas of the Jets’ post-draft endeavors. New jersey number rules in the NFL have allowed defenders to don single-digit uniforms, with many defensive stars (i.e. Jalen Ramsey) taking advantage of the new mandates to partially re-don the looks of their college years. Gardner’s No. 1 is currently “owned” by fellow defensive newcomer D.J. Reed.

Negotiations, however, appear to be underway.

Reed appears to be fully on board with a numbers deal, replying to Gardner’s warning to fans with multiple hints of a “done deal”.

Lol it’s a done deal🤝 https://t.co/hlp63GcaHo

— DJ_2Great (@D7_Reed) May 9, 2022

“Business is business & strictly financial💰💰.”

— DJ_2Great (@D7_Reed) May 9, 2022

😂😂 https://t.co/elM6XPE2bI

— DJ_2Great (@D7_Reed) May 9, 2022

Shortly after, Reed tweeted a series of consecutive 4’s, hinting that he will remain in the realm of single digits, albeit three up, freeing No. 1 for Gardner. That, however, would create another conflict, as new kicker Greg Zuerlein is the current owner of the No. 4 on the New York roster.

44444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444

— DJ_2Great (@D7_Reed) May 9, 2022

Another possible hint regarding Gardner’s future number came via an Instagram post from YouTube content creator and influencer FaZe Swagg, which features Gardner and the caption “#4”. Gardner later drew attention to the caption in his story, writing “Look at the caption”.

In Jets lore, the No. 1 has mostly been reserved for quarterbacks and kickers, with Michael Vick and Mike Nugent likely being the most notable wearers to date. Safety Kai Nacua (now listed as No. 46) is the number’s most recent representative, wearing it for a single game last season.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags