Young Fan's Emotional Reaction to Sauce Gardner's Trade Goes Viral
In a poignant moment that resonated with many, a young fan was filmed breaking down in tears after learning that his favorite player, Sauce Gardner, had been traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
The trade, which occurred on November 4, sent shockwaves through the NFL community as Gardner transitioned from the New York Jets to the Colts. The emotional fallout was particularly evident in one young boy, whose father shared the video on social media.
“When your son’s favorite player is Sauce Gardner and they trade him while he’s at school,” the father wrote alongside the clip, showcasing his son’s heartfelt lament over needing a new Jets jersey.
“Now I don’t like the Jets!” the boy exclaimed, his frustration palpable as he stomped his feet. “I like the Colts now!”
Gardner, who is 25 years old, responded to the viral video by reposting it on his Instagram Story, humorously noting, “He could’ve waited till tomorrow to tell them 😂.”
The All-Pro cornerback was traded for two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Colts general manager Chris Ballard expressed enthusiasm about acquiring Gardner, stating, “Having the opportunity to acquire a talented player like Sauce Gardner was one we did not want to pass on.”
Ballard emphasized Gardner’s proven track record, saying, “He was a player that we scouted heavily coming out of college and there’s a reason he was the fourth overall pick. Sauce is a proven cornerback. His skill and competitive nature will elevate everyone’s play on the defensive unit. We’re thrilled he’s a Colt.”
In a nod to Mitchell, Ballard added, “On the same note, AD Mitchell is a great person and a great player. We believe he will have success in New York, and we wish him the best as he enters the next chapter of his career.”
Gardner was originally selected by the Jets as the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Over his career with the Jets, he has recorded three interceptions, 46 passes defensed, one sack, and 201 tackles across 55 games.
This season alone, Gardner has defended six passes and made 20 tackles in just seven games. Meanwhile, under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets are struggling with a disappointing record of 1-7, tied for the fewest wins in the league alongside the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints.
Allante Gardner, Sauce’s brother and agent, revealed that the cornerback was taken by surprise by the trade. “I told him this is a business decision, and he understands that,” Allante stated. “The Jets made a business decision. They couldn’t turn it down, and [Sauce] deserves to be on a winning football team.”
Earlier this year, Sauce signed a four-year contract extension worth $120.4 million with the Jets, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. “This is only the beginning,” Gardner expressed at that time. “I appreciate the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat, & tears we put in, and JETS NATION… I appreciate y’all supporting me.”
According to reports, the Colts will take on a prorated portion of Gardner’s $1.25 million base salary for 2025, with their financial commitment increasing starting in 2026.
