History of Sauce Gardner in Timeline

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is a highly touted American football cornerback currently playing for the New York Jets in the NFL. He was drafted fourth overall by the Jets in 2022 after a successful college football career with the Cincinnati Bearcats. Notably, Gardner earned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season and achieved first-team All-Pro honors, marking the first time a rookie cornerback had done so since 1981.

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Full Timeline

1981: Ronnie Lott Named All-Pro

In 1981, Ronnie Lott was named first-team All-Pro. Sauce Gardner became the first rookie cornerback since Lott to achieve the honor, in 2023.

1981: Ronnie Lott First-Team All-Pro Selection

In 1981, Ronnie Lott was named first-team All-Pro. Sauce Gardner became the first rookie cornerback since Lott to be named first-team All-Pro in 2022.

August 31, 2000: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner Born

On August 31, 2000, Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner was born. He is now a professional football cornerback in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

2019: Freshman Season at Cincinnati

In 2019, during his true freshman season, Gardner played in 11 games, recording 31 tackles, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 11 passes defended, and eight pass breakups. He was named to the American Athletic Conference first-team.

2020: Sophomore Season at Cincinnati

In 2020, as a sophomore, Gardner began the season as a starter on the depth chart.

2021: All-America Team and AAC Defensive Player of the Year

In 2021, as a junior, Gardner was voted to the 2021 College Football All-America Team and named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, helping Cincinnati reach the College Football Playoff. He then declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

May 7, 2022: Signed Rookie Contract with New York Jets

On May 7, 2022, Gardner signed a four-year rookie contract with the New York Jets, worth $38.7 million fully guaranteed.

2022: Declared for the 2022 NFL draft

After the 2021 season, Sauce Gardner declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

2022: Partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings

In 2022, Gardner partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings to endorse a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce known as "Sauce Sauce".

2022: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2022, Sauce Gardner was drafted fourth overall by the New York Jets of the NFL.

2023: Second Season Performance

During the 2023 season, Gardner made 16 appearances and starts, finishing with 57 total tackles (41 solo), 11 passes defended, and one forced fumble. He earned Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors for the season.

2023: Pro Bowl and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2023, Gardner was selected for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games and was ranked 23rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023. He also won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and was named a first-team All-Pro.