Michael Owens/Getty Images
New York Jets star Sauce Gardner revealed on Thursday that he deleted all social media apps from his phone in order to escape negativity amid the team’s 2-3 start to the season, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.
The All-Pro cornerback said that he only found out about the Jets firing head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday due to a text from his agent, via Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
Gardner previously wrote that “the negativity on here is at an all-time high” when defending teammate Breece Hall in a Monday post on X.
SAUCE GARDNER @iamSauceGardner
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
While the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 draft called interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich a “great leader,” he told reporters that the team will still be playing for Saleh.
Jets Videos @snyjets
Sauce Gardner says that although Robert Saleh is no longer here, the Jets will be playing for him pic.twitter.com/EEnEeEefNU
New York’s struggles have mainly occurred on the offensive side of the ball, scoring just 26 total points in back-to-back losses to the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings before the coaching change occurred.
Gardner has remained one of the key pieces of a unit that owns the No. 2 pass defense and the seventh-best scoring defense in the NFL through five weeks.
He’s started all five games for the Jets, recording 16 tackles and two passes defensed to go along with a sack. Gardner has earned a 64.3 grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts this season, allowing 10 receptions on 15 targets. It represents a step down from his impressive grade of 88.6 in 2023, though.
After removing social media apps from his phone in order to block out negativity, Gardner will turn his attention towards shutting down a division rival in Week 6.
The Jets will be facing off against the Buffalo Bills, with a chance to be tied for the AFC East lead following a potential victory. Bills signal-caller Josh Allen has thrown eight touchdowns without getting picked off, although his average of 189 yards per game through the air is the lowest mark since his rookie season.
The two teams will face off on Monday Night Football, with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.
