The New York Jets’ CB1 goes into detail on how Aaron Rodgers changes the energy inside the organization
The New York Jets have long been the laughingstock of the AFC East. Led by Aaron Rodgers, they hope that is about to change.
While Rodgers’ on-field impact speaks for itself, his off-field impact has been particularly surprising to some of his critics so far. Rodgers has drastically changed the culture of the Jets’ organization – and the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year explained how the four-time MVP is pulling it off.
Speaking to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, Sauce Gardner gave the scoop on what it’s like to have Rodgers in the building.
“He just brings that swag, you know what I mean?” started Gardner. “He’s Aaron. When he walks into the room, he’s going to shake the room every time. He’s one of those guys. He’s a natural leader, a great guy to be around. You know, so he changed the organization in a lot of ways, for sure.”
All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner says Aaron Rodgers is a natural leader who has changed the New York Jets’ organization. pic.twitter.com/WD9l6RRTzh
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) September 1, 2023
Gardner pointed to Rodgers’ sense of humor as a way in which he changes the energy.
“He’s a funny guy. I didn’t know he was going to have as many jokes as he had. He got a lot of jokes, I ain’t going to say what jokes, but he got a lot of jokes in his repertoire for sure.”
We’ve already seen the duo stir up social media circles with their unique handshake. The Jets’ All-Pro cornerback continues to reveal the lighter side to Rodgers – something that was rarely acknowledged during his time in Green Bay.
Aaron Rodgers and Sauce Gardner got the coldest handshake in the league pic.twitter.com/G4aZzPDwnc
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) August 9, 2023
While Rodgers has the gift of gab, he also is keen for fashion, too. When asked if the 39-year-old has worn the custom No. 8 diamond chain gifted by Gardner, the Jets cornerback confirmed that the future Hall of Famer is putting the gift to good use.
https://t.co/U9oZUiOoaA pic.twitter.com/YRvbpNK8Cb
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 22, 2023
“Yeah I’ve seen him wear it a couple of times. That’s good enough for me.”
With Sauce giving his stamp of approval, add him to the list of Jets defenders who appreciate the presence of Rodgers.
While Rodgers looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign, Gardner has his own legacy to sustain. The second-year cornerback was recently voted as the best cornerback in the NFL by the Associated Press. This comes after an impressive rookie season that saw Gardner take home Defensive Rookie of the Year, All-Pro, and Pro Bowl honors.
Audio Version available to members only: Learn more here
I really wish they would change the handshake from finishing with taking a hit from a joint. I’m not trying to tell anybody what to do on their time, if that’s their choice then that’s their choice. I do think there is a time and place, and with kids watching I don’t think it’s the time or place.
Sauce is on record as saying he went back to Cincy to finish his degree because he needs to set an example. Well, then if setting an example is important then I wish he would reconsider the handshake.