How 'Sauce' Gardner Earned His Iconic Nickname
How 'Sauce' Gardner Earned His Iconic Nickname
By Jason Bolton July 02, 2024 02:59
New York Jets cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner has become well-known not only on the field, where he's one of the best prospects as a first-rounder, but also for his nickname. In this article, Fan Arch will tell the fascinating story behind Garner's nickname and what are the stories or personal history that made him named 'Sauce.' Below, we embark on a thorough investigation to learn how Gardner got such an iconic nickname and what that may mean.
Roots: The Origin of "Sauce"
Little League Football Days
Gardner's road to the nickname "Sauce" started when he was just a kid playing little league football. The dual-threat quarterback's electric moves in the open field and jukes made way for his well-known nickname. Gardner said his coach, Darren Holmes, anointed him "A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner" due to his play-making ability and style on the gridiron.
The Evolution of the Nickname
Eventually, it was shortened from "A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner" to "Sauce," which felt right for him—the name became his. The evolution of the nickname is emblematic of the personal attachment Gardner has with it and what he believes represents his path as a football player.
His affection towards the nickname and the persona he has built around it is apparent from how much devotion he has shown to it. He wears a diamond sauce chain eluding the confidence that he exhibits both in and out of the field.
These attributes exemplify how the nickname "Sauce" describes much more than everybody is willing to acknowledge. The origin is a tall tale that cannot even begin to shed anything close to light. However, the strongest theory has to do with the literal origin. Gardner disclosed in an interview that his nickname was driven by a time when he used to dip everything in Sriracha sauce or any other condiment.
The nickname "Sauce" represents the glory of what Gardner has become on the turf, his unusual, refreshing self, and his identity. It is a reminder of a rosy little league football, his coach's admiration, and the saucy twist he puts in football. However, as he transcends to the NFL, other football icons adopted him, including the name "Sauce." It is because it has stuck with fans and players and holds more than just a name.
Sauce story: Immortalizing the Legacy of Sauce
That backstory of Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner got his nickname is equally riveting: An amalgamation of personal experiences, athletic prowess, and maybe even some slight corporate creativity intertwined in a player's identity. Every level of that original Little League football nickname journey is intertwined with who Gardner is and what "Sauce" has meant in the NFL.
As Gardner goes on to greater heights in his football career, "Sauce" remains a reminder of his path, who he is, and what it all means.