Sauce Gardner's trade to the Colts just broke one young Jets fan, and the Pro Bowl cornerback reacted to the clip before making his way to Indianapolis
22:01 ET, 04 Nov 2025
Sauce Gardner walks off the field after Jets-Dolphins
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Sauce Gardner reacted to a fan reaction to his trade to the Indianapolis Colts
The New York Jets' reported midseason roster purge turned out to be two key players, but one was impactful enough that it broke a young fan's heart in real time.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was sent to the Dallas Cowboys for a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, with both moves occurring right before the end of the NFL trade deadline.
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For a young Jets fan in one viral video, that news hit hard. His father, a season ticket holder, filmed himself telling his two sons about the trade while the child rummaged through the pantry for a snack.
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At first, the boy asked simply, "Where," unaware that his favorite player was now on the Colts. There was barely a celebration for the haul that the Jets received in return, including four draft picks and two new players.
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When the reality set in, the little boy collapsed emotionally. He cried, stomped, and called the Jets the "worst team ever,” before walking away and declaring, "I like the Colts now."
His father offered little comfort beyond a promise to buy him a new jersey. Gardner, who saw the video circulating on social media, responded with a quote post that read, "You should’ve at least waited until tomorrow."
The Jets made the trade following a 1-7 record and are deep in the bottom of the league's standings despite Gardner signing a four-year, $120.4 million extension in July. His regression this season has featured 15 tackles and zero interceptions, and his defensive DVOA rank has plunged from No. 8 in 2023 to No. 64 in 2024.
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The trade came hours before the league’s deadline and followed several other roster moves that defined the Jets’ direction for the rest of the year.
The same day that they finalized the Williams deal with Dallas, New York acquired cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor from the Chargers for a 2028 seventh-round pick to replace Gardner.
For the Colts, the acquisition of Gardner strengthens a 7-2 squad led by MVP candidate quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor, a team already emerging as one of the AFC’s quiet contenders.
Sauce Gardner defends Tetairoa McMillan during a game against the Carolina Panthers
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Gardner was traded to the Colts, who lead the AFC South
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The addition of Gardner gives them another defensive cornerstone and adds to a star-studded cast.
Indianapolis's defense includes Zaire Franklin as a tackling machine, DeForest Buckner as a pass rush specialist, and Laiatu Latu, a first-round defensive end in 2024.
ESPN's update on the Colts' depth chart shows Gardner in the left cornerback spot opposite Jonathan Edwards, the only undrafted free agent to make this year's team. Edwards is in place for Super Bowl-winning cornerback Charvarius Ward, who remains on injury reserve.