Sauce Gardner had plenty to discuss (and not discuss) after Wednesday’s joint practice.
During his Wednesday media availability, the New York Jets’ star cornerback spoke about a variety of topics surrounding the team’s joint practice with the Giants. He addressed waving goodbye to the Giants and mentioned how “competitive” the practice was.
“We were just having fun out there, you know, two New York teams, and we all know each other pretty much outside of football because we’d be seeing each other around and stuff like that. Just having fun with it. So it’s a little goodbye,” said Gardner.
“I ain’t going to sugarcoat it. That’s basically what that was. But it was a lot of love, and it wasn’t disrespectful. Nothing disrespectful like that. You know, at the end of the day, we were competing. We were all competitive. So you know, that’s what it’s all about.”
Gardner also spoke about wide receiver Malik Nabers, who he called “nice” as a player.
“He is very sudden when it comes to coming, getting in and out of his brakes. You know what I’m saying? I know this might sound kind of weird, but it probably won’t. He reminds me of an LSU receiver, sort of a little Ja’Marr Chase and kind of a little Justin Jefferson.
“I ain’t just going to compare him to nobody because, at the end of the day, he is just Malik. You don’t want to limit anybody and their potential or anything like that. But those were just two guys he reminded me of a little.”
Additionally, the star cornerback spoke highly of Jets wideout Garrett Wilson, calling him a “top five receiver” in the NFL. He also talked about how he enjoys watching Wilson face other cornerbacks.
“That’d be my favorite part of the day. … You know when Garrett is getting the ball. Obviously, I go against them all the time. So it’s like I kind of know, and I feel it a little bit. So it’s like you are watching the other colored jersey on the other side. You, like, OK, Garrett is getting a ball; he is probably about to do this,” said Gardner.
“And then, bro, I was just seeing the way that they were operating at 2 minutes, Bro, that look, it looks crazy how they look, bro, I ain’t going to get too ahead of myself. I know they will probably have big heads walking in the facility tomorrow, but man, it was crazy.”
It is good to see Gardner give props to his teammate Wilson and a budding cross-town star in Nabers. Both players have the raw talent and refined skills to thrive in the position for years to come in the NFL. Additionally, it is encouraging to see that Gardner, along with the rest of the Jets, was locked in for the joint practice.
New York seems to have a great mindset and mentality heading into the season. With players like Wilson and Gardner leading the charge, the Jets are in a good spot to compete in 2024.
