Sauce Gardner’s Epic Reaction to Stunning Trade to Colts Goes Viral: “Was Running in Circles”

Indianapolis Colts traded for star cornerback Sauce Gardner with the view of making him a cornerstone for the future.

Sauce Gardner’s Epic Reaction to Stunning Trade to Colts Goes Viral: “Was Running in Circles”

Sauce Gardner 'happy' to leave Jets (Image via Imago)

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Sauce Gardner was hoping to stay for a long time with the New York Jets. After all, he had garnered 2 All-Pro selections in his 3 and a half seasons there, and was hoping to be the bedrock for their defense for a long time.

The franchise reiterated its commitment to him when it offered a 4-year, $120.4 million contract extension. Flush with his increased paycheck, the 25-year-old must have been thinking about ways to spend or invest his money in the Big Apple.

That changed during their bye week when the franchise could not resist the temptation of being offered two 1st round picks and a young WR for their star cornerback. Soon, Gardner was informed that he would be moving to Indianapolis.

I didn’t even have the time to process it all the way. I just knew that I was coming into a great situation. I was running in circles in the house… They winning right now. I was happy. I didn’t have no time to be like, ‘Dang, I’m getting traded right now.’

Sauce Gardner said at his introductory press conference

This response went viral for two reasons. For starters, when he said that he was running in circles, such an expression usually means he was ecstatic to finally leave the Jets.

The Michigan native was not himself, at least for the past couple of years. It seems he was happy to get out of the constant losing the Jets were becoming accustomed to.

The other part is that he is joining a winning team in Indianapolis. Which means his joy comes full circle, at being able to avoid the pressure from the New York media, and help the Colts surge towards the postseason.

Sauce Gardner happy he is reuniting with college teammate

While revealing his reaction to the trade, Sauce Gardner detailed how he was ecstatic about rejoining his college teammate, Alec Pierce. When asked later about their relationship, the cornerback revealed.

Man, he was so happy. Everybody throughout the building was always saying that he always spoke highly of me… It was great, he was super pumped. I think he called me before our GM called. But like I said, I was laying down with my girl, so I wasn’t picking the phone up… I kinda wish I would’ve answered the call.

Sauce Gardner revealed

This means he received the call from his former Cincinnati teammate before anyone else dialed his number. That proves the bond between the two.

If this can translate into something good for the Colts, they should be looking to reach the playoffs. Gardner and Pierce could help their respective units combine to reach the postseason for the first time in four years.

Colts owner’s opinion pushed front office to pursue Sauce Gardner

After Jim Irsay’s death, the Indianapolis Colts are led by his three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. Many were skeptical about how the trio would manage, as women-led NFL teams have generally struggled.

Colts owner sanctioned Sauce Gardner trade
Colts owner sanctioned Sauce Gardner trade (Image via Imago)

As the CEO, Irsay-Gordon had the loudest voice in the building. She has been at every practice, game, and listens to the play calls, as she dives deep into learning every minute detail needed to run a football team.

As per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Greer, when GM Chris Ballard was touting the idea of reinforcing the cornerback, the mother of three said this to her top executive:

Do you want to Band-Aid it or fix it for the long term?

Carlie Irsay-Gordon said

Breer reveals that the question was enough for Ballard to proceed and trade for Sauce Gardner, giving up two 1st round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in return.

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