Sauce Gardner Makes Good on Important Promise

Jets' CB1 walks another big stage in Ohio

A promise kept to his mother, Alisa, Sauce Gardner walked the commencement stage at the University of Cincinnati Friday to receive his undergraduate degree. 

Before he turned pro, the No. 4 overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft assured his mom that he would finish school while playing for pay.

"I had to meet my mom halfway when it came to leaving early," said Gardner after Saturday's open practice in Florham Park. "She wasn't really a fan of it. It wasn't really all about the money, you know what I mean? She wanted me to get my degree. That's what every parent should want."

The New York Jets' All-Pro cornerback worked hard this offseason to see his collegiate studies through by completing 12 credits to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

"It wasn't easy," said Gardner, who intends to start the SG1 Family Foundation with a focus on community outreach.

Gardner was offered a private suite for the ceremony by U of C, but declined the offer to sit amongst all of his fellow graduates on the floor.

"I ain't going to lie. It kind of felt like game day a little bit. I was a little anxious," said Gardner. "I didn't know what to expect. But it was a true blessing."

Gardner played in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton on Thursday night before heading to Cincinnati. After Friday's commencement ceremony, Gardner's family threw him a party. He then hurried to make a flight back to New Jersey in time for practice on Saturday morning.

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A number of his Jets' teammates sent congratulatory texts to him after hearing the news.

Among the first was his new best friend, quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Sharing the contents of the message, Gardner said, "He knows my mom's proud, and he knows my family's proud. That's love right there."

Jets' head coach Robert Saleh has said he believes that Gardner has "an elite mental makeup and drive."

"I just think it signifies so much in what he’s been able to achieve and what he still can achieve as he goes forward in his career,” said the third-year head coach on Saturday.

In addition to the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and a college degree, Gardner even has his own "day" in Cincinnati. Mayor Aftab Pureval proclaimed Aug. 4, 2023 — the date of the graduation — as "Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner Day."

Amidst it all, Gardner even took time to update his LinkedIn account.

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