Sauce Gardner defends himself after getting roasted in practice

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Sauce Gardner defends himself after getting roasted in practice

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Aug 11, 2026 2:52 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner had to defend himself on social media Tuesday after video went viral of him getting embarrassed in a joint practice against the New England Patriots.

Video from Tuesday’s practice showed Gardner being put firmly on his heels by Patriots wide receiver AJ Brown. Gardner was beaten at the line and slipped while trying to cover Brown on a stick route, much to the delight of Patriots fans in attendance.

A.J. Brown just DUSTED Sauce Gardner in 1v1s

Patriots fans in attendance LOVE IT
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/0g1GBXTSjf
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 11, 2026

Naturally, the video got lots of attention on social media. The attention was enough that Gardner felt the need to defend himself on social media by suggesting that the rest of practice was nowhere near as bad.

all this from a 1on1 rep? & a 8 yard sit route at that? its a reason that's the only one yall saw
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) August 11, 2026

Gardner was a star for the New York Jets after being drafted in 2022, but fell off a bit after coach Robert Saleh was fired in 2024. He was traded to the Colts last season, with the team giving up a pair of first-round picks in the deal.

The video may say less about Gardner and more about Brown. The newly-acquired wide receiver looks highly motivated after being dealt from Philadelphia, and that could mean very good things for the Patriots this year.

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