After two seasons as teammates, New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner recently opened up about facing Aaron Rodgers as an opponent. The relationship between quarterbacks and cornerbacks is always competitive, and in practice, each side tries to prove its superiority.
These battles build respect between teammates, even if they later face each other on opposite sidelines. Gardner and Rodgers shared the field in New York, but when the Jets open the season on September 7, they will be rivals, and Gardner is ready for the challenge.
Gardner Shares Perspective on Facing Former Teammate Aaron Rodgers
Gardner will see a familiar face across the field when the Jets begin their season on September 7. During Rodgers’ two-year stint with the Jets, the young cornerback practiced against the veteran quarterback and watched as Rodgers led the team onto the field. While Rodgers only won six of 18 starts with the Jets, his experience and leadership left a mark on Gardner, who learned from the future Hall of Famer both on and off the field.
Gardner recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss his upcoming matchup with Rodgers, among other topics. He spoke candidly about his respect for Rodgers and his excitement for the Week 1 game.
“Aaron Rodgers is a phenomenal person..
I’m looking forward to playing against him week one..
The Steelers got some DAWGS and I’m looking forward to the challenge” ~ @iamSauceGardner #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/MBXpeb1NaN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 2, 2025
“It’s gonna be crazy. There are going to be a lot of emotions in that game. I don’t care what people say about him. He’s a phenomenal person. I remember when he first got to New York, and we went to dinner. And I got to pick his brain. When we got on the field, there was so much he taught me as a player. I already know I’m about to go against a wizard in Week One.”
When targeted by a quarterback, a cornerback sees the play from the opposite perspective. Gardner may not know the play before the snap, but Rodgers, with his years of experience and thousands of snaps, can quickly recognize whether the defense is in man or zone coverage.
These details often dictate where the ball will go, and Gardner, in turn, can anticipate routes by watching receivers’ steps. For example, receivers who give away their intentions early can allow a cornerback to jump the route and make a play on the ball.
While Rodgers and Gardner will be key factors in the game, the matchup also features wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who joined the Steelers this offseason in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
At 6’4”, 235 pounds, Metcalf is bigger, stronger, and faster than most cornerbacks, including Gardner. Rodgers, who understands spatial awareness in the passing game better than most quarterbacks, could use Metcalf’s size advantage to challenge Gardner. Running back Najee Harris could also be used to target Gardner’s side of the field, forcing the cornerback to fight through blocks and provide run support.
A few plays like this could set up a deep pass, testing Gardner’s speed, timing, and ability to adjust while the ball is in the air. According to steelers.com, Metcalf ran a vertical route on 53.6% of his plays last season. This means Rodgers, who still has elite arm talent, will want to get his top target comfortable by attacking the deep part of the field.
The question remains: Can Gardner convince the veteran quarterback not to throw his way, or will Rodgers, now 41, get the best of the matchup?
