The New York Jets stunned the NFL world when they fired head coach Robert Saleh earlier this week, and it sounds like many of us heard the news before star cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Gardner told reporters on Thursday that he was late to the Saleh news because he had been staying off social media. The Pro Bowl corner said he got a text message from his agent asking, “what do you think about the Jets news?” Gardner then Googled “Jets” and found out what was going on.
Sauce Gardner said he deleted social media off his phone because he was tired of the negativity and only heard about the Saleh when his agent texted him “what you think about the Jets news?”
So he googled “Jets” and saw the news.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 10, 2024
Gardner said he has become frustrated with all the negativity about the Jets on social media. He indicated on Monday that he was taking a break from X when he defended teammate Breece Hall.
“Wow man… The negativity on here is at an all-time high. We all have seen what Breece can do, so why we acting brand new? He’s a top rb in this league and it’s sad that I even have to say that. I’m always go have my brother back bc I know the work he puts in everyday. And the same ones that was giving him praise quick to turn their back on him when things ain’t going right which is sad. Y’all take care on this app,” Gardner wrote.
Wow man… The negativity on here is at an all-time high. We all have seen what Breece can do, so why we acting brand new? He's a top rb in this league and it's sad that I even have to say that. I'm always go have my brother back bc I know the work he puts in everyday. And the… https://t.co/egaNA4f06W
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) October 8, 2024
As for his reaction to the Saleh news, Gardner spoke about how he and the former Jets coach were very close. Gardner said he and many of his teammates are still motivated to do well for Saleh.
Sauce Gardner says that although Robert Saleh is no longer here, the Jets will be playing for him pic.twitter.com/EEnEeEefNU
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 10, 2024
Aaron Rodgers made similar remarks about Saleh on Wednesday while ripping the narrative that the former MVP had a hand in Saleh being fired.
At the very least, it does not sound like Saleh had lost the locker room in New York. Team owner Woody Johnson simply thought a big change was needed, and one former Jets coach may have seen the move coming.
