Jets’ Sauce Gardner reveals why he didn’t want Lions to draft him: ‘Would’ve been a total different story’

Sauce Gardner was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, however the New York Jets star cornerback by no means truly wished to play for the Lions.

Throughout an interview on “The Pivot Podcast” final week, Gardner revealed that he didn’t wish to get drafted by the Detroit Lions within the 2022 NFL Draft, partly due to what enjoying in his house state would possibly imply for his profession.

“They don’t even actually ask me for nothing,” Gardner mentioned of his closest pals after being requested how he handles wanting to assist his family and friends after turning professional.

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“My household don’t actually ask me nothing, particularly those who weren’t round once I was down — when me, mother, my brother and my sister had been going by means of it. Those who weren’t down with us, they don’t ask me for nothing as a result of they already know the reply.”

“That’s one cause why I didn’t wish to get drafted by Detroit. That may’ve been a complete completely different story,” he continued.

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) towards the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Monetary Subject. (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports activities)

“I’d’ve had so many various individuals asking for tickets. Individuals in all probability would’ve seen me round Detroit then they’d’ve been attempting to hangout, then they’d’ve been attempting to ask me for cash, this, this and that. There’s so many variables that go into it, that’s why I’m blissful I’m at the place I’m at proper now.

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Gardner was drafted by the Jets fourth total whereas the Lions picked defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 total decide.

However Lions head coach Dan Campbell mentioned again in December that Detroit was by no means leaning in the direction of taking Gardner with the second decide.

“We thought of quite a lot of completely different guys, however I by no means actually felt it went there for (common supervisor) Brad (Holmes) and myself,” Campbell mentioned, by way of the Detroit Free Press.

Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets yells in a group huddle previous to an NFL soccer sport towards the Miami Dolphins at Exhausting Rock Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photographs)

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“He’s a heck of a soccer participant, and we liked his size, we thought he was fairly good and fairly artful. He was aggressive, runs fairly good… however he suits excellent in that protection. I imply, he’d match excellent in nearly any protection. However he’s actually grown. He’s actually grown. He’s develop into a reasonably dang good nook on the market.”

Garnder was named 2022 Defensive Rookie of the 12 months and have become the primary rookie nook to make first-team honors since Ronnie Lott did in order a member of the san francisco 49ers in 1981.

He additionally didn’t permit a landing all season lengthy, mirroring his school profession at Cincinnati.

Fox Information’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.