Reasons Behind Sauce Gardner and Aaron Rodgers’ Silence Following QB’s Turbulent Jets Split

Jets Cornerback Sauce Gardner and Aaron Rodgers: A Shift in Dynamics

Don’t count on Sauce Gardner and Aaron Rodgers to recreate their memorable handshake when the Jets face the Steelers in the first week of the 2025 NFL season. In a recent interview with Complex, the star cornerback shared that there’s been a noticeable drop in communication between him and the now Steelers quarterback since Rodgers left Gang Green.

“We’re not in that much contact,” Gardner mentioned. “At the start of the offseason, we connected more often, but it became clear that he was heading to Pittsburgh.”

Gardner added, “It kind of feels like we’ll see each other next week for the game. It’s funny in a way, but we aren’t really talking anymore.” The reasons for this shift remain uncertain, leaving some to wonder if their friendship has faded.

Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers worth up to $19.5 million after passing his physical last Saturday. He also announced that this upcoming season would be his last, as he told ESPN’s Pat McAfee.

The bond between Gardner and Rodgers was strong, especially after the Jets traded for Rodgers, a four-time MVP, before the 2023 season.

The two gained attention for their playful handshake that went viral, which they humorously likened to smoking marijuana during Jets OTAs in June 2023. Not long after, Gardner gifted Rodgers a chain adorned with his jersey number, 8, set in green diamonds.

Unfortunately, Rodgers’ last season was marred by injury, as he tore his Achilles just four plays into the game. He managed to return the following year, playing in all 17 games and achieving stats of 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Rodgers had a busy offseason, which included adjusting to life after the Jets. While attending Steelers minicamp last month, he casually mentioned to reporters that he had been married for “a few months,” regarding the black ring he had been wearing. He previously revealed on “The Pat McAfee Show” that his wife’s identity is kept private but had acknowledged dating a woman named Britanni.