“Broadway Joe, “Revis Island,” and the “New York Sack Exchange.” Just a few of the iconic nicknames to don the green and white.
Enter Sauceman.
In last week’s NFL draft, the Jets added some more fun to the historical bunch. Out of the University of Cincinnati, and standing at 6’3’’ and weighing 190 lbs., Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner was the top cornerback in the draft.
As a child growing up in Detroit, Gardner was given the nickname “A1 Sauce Sweet Feet” Gardener. ‘A1’ for his initial and jersey number, and also a reference to the famous steak sauce, and the ‘sweet feet’ for a move he made on the field, according to Gardner.
“I don’t forget things, all the things I’ve been through in my past,” Gardner told NJ.com at a charity event the night before the draft. “That just keeps me going, especially my mom. I’ve got a great opportunity to be able to change her life. It’s bigger than just me.”
Now, it’s the Jets who have the Sauce.
Throughout his illustrious college career, he more than lived up to the name. In his junior year this past season, Gardner allowed just eight catches for 60 yards and zero touchdowns.
Having selected him fourth overall, the Jets expect Gardner to be a major impact player from the second he touches down to prevent touchdowns. He is joined by an extensive list of highly touted prospects also drafted to New York. With the tenth pick, the Jets corralled in Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver from the Ohio State University. Wilson is a very popular receiver with elite ball-catching skills and tremendous speed. He will provide quarterback Zach Wilson a fresh option to throw the ball to.
The Jets then traded for their next two picks. Another first-round selection, Jermaine Johnson II, a defensive end from Florida State University, addresses the team’s need at the pass rusher position.
Next, a pick-swap trade with their resident MetLife Stadium suitemates, the Giants, landed them Breece Ball, an Iowa State University running back. ESPN rated Ball the best running back in the draft, a second-round steal.
In round three, the Jets took local tight end standout, Jeremy Ruckert. A video circulating online shows the Lindenhurst native receiving the call from the Jets, and his father being especially ecstatic at the prospect of his son joining their beloved hometown team.
The franchise capped their draft by taking Max Mitchell and Micheal Clemons in the fourth round, an offensive lineman from the University of Louisiana and a defensive end from Texas A&M University, respectively.
First-rate talent helped the Jets improve in the depth chart column, topping it all off with some much-needed Sauce.
Next stop, per the will of “J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets!” fans: dividends paying off in the win column as well.
