New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner disclosed that he watched former NFL player Aaron Glenn’s highlights before Glenn became the Jets’ head coach this season, with the goal of enhancing his own cornerback abilities. Gardner’s preparation included getting familiar with Glenn’s playing style to gain an edge in his development.

Aaron Glenn, who played cornerback in the NFL from 1994 to 2008, was a three-time Pro Bowler and recently took on the role of head coach for the Jets. Prior to Glenn’s arrival, Gardner had already spent time studying him, using online footage to learn from his techniques.

Gardner shared an amusing anecdote about his research on Glenn, explaining how he was curious not just about Glenn’s career but also lightheartedly noted his head shape as a unique factor in his playing style.

“It’s crazy, because I did a lot of it even before he got here,” Gardner said. “You know, because people, they would talk about Reeve, they would talk about Crow, they would talk about Aaron Glenn. So I was like, I was like, let me do my research on this, because I already knew how much of a good coach he was when he was in Detroit.”

“And then when they told me, like, you know, he played corner here, and I’m like, oh, for real? So then I got to looking at his highlights, got to looking at his head shape, you know, when he played, I think that he had a ball head,” Gardner added. “It could have helped him be a better corner, but it’s just like, now he doesn’t have a ball head, so I never knew what his head shape was.”

This lighthearted reflection showcased both Gardner’s admiration for Glenn and the playful side of his preparation efforts.

Gardner’s Commitment to the Jets Strengthened by Long-Term Contract

Since being drafted fourth overall in 2022, Sauce Gardner has established himself as a premier lockdown cornerback for the Jets. Earlier this month, Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension, securing his place in the team’s future.

The cornerback expressed how the contract provided him with added security and confidence, allowing him to focus fully on making impactful plays alongside the Jets’ coaching staff. Gardner also emphasized his competitive spirit, aiming to exceed expectations and outperform the contract’s value.

“It meant a lot to have that level of security, so I could just go out there and make plays,” Gardner said, via SNY. “I feel like it complements the new regime and coaching staff. They’re going to put me and the rest of us in positions to make plays… Me and Garrett were talking, saying how we’ve got to compete and make it seem like we’re underpaid still.”

In his most recent season, Gardner recorded 49 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Over his three-year career with the Jets, he has totaled 181 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and three interceptions, highlighting his consistent impact on defense.

Impact of Gardner’s Preparation and Contract on Jets’ Defensive Outlook

Sauce Gardner’s decision to study Aaron Glenn early on exemplifies his dedication to improving his craft, while his lengthy contract extension demonstrates the Jets’ commitment to building a strong defensive core. Gardner’s ability to combine personal development with team stability is likely to benefit the Jets’ secondary and overall defense in the coming seasons.

As Gardner continues to develop under Glenn’s coaching, his influence as a top-tier cornerback should grow, contributing to the Jets’ ambitions to compete at higher levels within the league.