Colts' Sauce Gardner reacts to being traded by Jets

Recently acquired Indianapolis Colts cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner was still in the concussion protocol as of Wednesday and, therefore, hadn't yet spoken with reporters about the blockbuster trade that involved him leaving the New York Jets this week. 

However, the situation changed when Gardner cleared the protocol on Thursday. He then met with media members to discuss the shocking trade-deadline-day transaction. 

What Sauce Gardner wanted regarding trade from Jets

As Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper shared, Gardner discussed what went through his mind when he received a call from Jets general manager Darren Mougey regarding the trade. 

"Please let it be my ideal situation," Gardner said. "I don’t want to go to a losing team. I don’t want to go to a team on the other side of the world." 

A 2022 first-round draft pick, Gardner never experienced a winning season during his time with the Jets. While Gang Green is currently 1-7, the Colts finished Week 9 at 7-2. 

According to The Athletic's James Boyd, Gardner was asked if he feels "more pressure" to perform with the Colts because of what Indianapolis gave up to acquire him. The Colts traded two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai "AD" Mitchell to the Jets for Gardner.

"There’s no pressure," Gardner responded. "Obviously, they got access to the tape …And that’s what makes it much more special. It was less about the Jets wanting to trade me and more about the Colts wanting me to be here."

Gardner also understands why the Jets accepted a deal that Mougey said was "too good to pass up" on Tuesday. 

"I’m not going to say shocked was the word, because I know that what the Colts offered, [and] it’s something that it’s hard to pass up on, especially with how it’s been (in New York) over the years, so it made sense," Gardner explained. 

Why Sauce Gardner was "running in circles" after being traded

Before Gardner played a snap for the Jets, he and current Colts linebacker Alec Pierce shared a locker room as members of the Cincinnati Bearcats. 

"I was running in circles in the house because the first thing I’m thinking is I’m about to be back with my boy, Alec," Gardner added about his reaction to the trade. "And [the Colts are] winning right now, so I just know what I can add. I was happy. But at the same time, I didn’t have no time to be like, 'Dang, I’m getting traded right now.' It was just all good vibes, because at the end of the day … that’s just part of the business."

Gardner is now set to play for the Colts against the Atlanta Falcons (3-5) in Berlin this Sunday. As of Thursday afternoon, ESPN BET listed Indianapolis as a 6.5-point favorite for that game.