Why the Jets are refusing to call Sauce Gardner by nickname in preseason: ‘Ahmad it is’

Ahmad Gardner has gone by his nickname “Sauce” since he was 6 years old. However, during the early stages of his career with the Jets, he has been called Ahmad by his teammates.

The Jets aren’t doing this to disrespect the rookie. Instead, they are motivating him to earn the nickname.

Veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley explained that “pretty much” everyone in the New York locker room is in on the plan.

“He’s Ahmad until the season starts and he makes a play,” Mosley said, per the New York Post. “Ahmad it is.”

MORE: How Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner got his nickname

This is nothing new for Gardner. He had to earn his “Sauce” moniker during his time at Cincinnati, too. He did so during his freshman season when he logged a pick-six against UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

That play helped the Bearcats earn a 27-24 upset win over the Knights, who were ranked No. 18 overall heading into that game. As such, Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell and others agreed that he had earned the right to be called Sauce.

“That self-proclaimed nickname may actually be a nickname,” Fickell said after the game, per the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“I think he earned it tonight,” tight end Josiah Deguara said of Gardner’s chosen nickname.

MORE: Robert Saleh has “all the faith in the world” in Joe Flacco if Zach Wilson can’t play Week 1

Gardner seems to be on the right path with the Jets as well. So far, Mosley has been impressed with both the rookie’s performance and his demeanor on and off the field.

“Ahmad has some sauce to him, that’s for sure,” Mosley said. “On the field, he’s working all the time. He’s on the sideline asking questions. Off the field, he’s very confident, as well. He’s a very smart player, and you respect that a lot. He doesn’t try to act like he knows everything. He listens and tries to do the right thing.”

So, it seems that Gardner’s teammates will soon be calling him Sauce full-time. The team could even make the switch in Week 1 if he makes a big-time play against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

But at least until the regular season begins, he will continue to be Ahmad.