Sauce Gardner’s Trade Sparks New Fan Support

Sauce Gardner might have unintentionally converted two young Jets fans into Colts supporters.

Recently traded to the Colts from the Jets at the NFL trade deadline, Gardner presented jerseys to his two brothers, who gained attention for their emotional reactions to his departure.

“What’s up, Bryce, Trey?” Gardner said in a video shared by the Colts. “I appreciate all your support. So, I’m giving you my first two Colts jerseys.”

He even signed the jerseys and threw in a football for good measure.

This video was released on the same day Gardner was traded, capturing the moment their father, TJ Vilardi, a Jets season ticket holder, broke the news to his sons.

Trey, the older brother, responded well, asking his father about the trade details and other Jets moves before the deadline.

However, Bryce, the younger sibling, had a more intense reaction. Upon hearing the news, he collapsed in tears and ended up feeling quite unwell.

“I can’t stand the Jets right now. They’re the worst,” 7-year-old Bryce cried, wiping away tears. “I love the Colts now!”

The video quickly gained traction on social media, with Gardner, 25, even responding to it.

“You could have at least waited until tomorrow,” he joked, adding a couple of crying emojis.

The Jets traded Gardner for two first-round picks along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, a move that surprised many. Just months earlier, Gardner had signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension that implied a long-term stay with the Jets.

In a follow-up blockbuster move, the Jets also traded defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys, landing a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick in return.