While many speculated that Aaron Rodgers may have had the final say in the firing of former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, the general consensus is that Saleh had lost the support of the locker room. This perception was fueled, at least in part, by former Jets offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, who trolled Saleh on social media shortly after the announcement of his dismissal.
However, not all Jets players felt this way about their former head coach. One notable exception is star defensive back Sauce Gardner, who remained a staunch supporter of Saleh even after his departure.
Gardner, the cornerstone of the Jets’ defense, expressed his surprise and dismay over the firing. “I was shocked. The reality is we’re 2-3 and everything is still in front of us,” Gardner said. “I was really shocked. Coach Saleh and me were extremely close from the day that the Jets first drafted me. To be honest, like, he changed my life.”
Gardner, who hails from Detroit and has spoken openly about the challenges he faced growing up, shared how much Saleh meant to him personally. “Where I come from and all the stuff that I’ve been through growing up in Detroit, and for him to be able to take a chance on me… For his birthday, I always text him and say, ‘I appreciate you for taking a chance on me.’ He really changed my life, he changed my family’s life. That was always the goal for me in life, and he made that happen.”
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It was clear that Saleh formed close bonds with many of his players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where Gardner thrived under his coaching.
While it’s uncertain how Rodgers felt about Saleh, given the speculation surrounding the quarterback’s influence, Gardner’s loyalty underscores that Saleh was more than just a coach to many players on the roster—he was a mentor and a life-changer.
After his firing, Saleh released a heartfelt statement, reflecting on his time with the Jets and expressing gratitude for the relationships he built with the organization and its players. “To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive,” Saleh wrote. “To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment.”
Saleh’s genuine care for his players was evident in his relationships, particularly with Gardner. But despite his likability and strong rapport with many on the team, Saleh’s coaching ultimately did not produce the results the Jets needed. In the unforgiving world of the NFL, that lack of success cost him his job.
For many, Saleh’s firing doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders, especially considering Rodgers’ injury early in the season and the struggles that followed. “It’s not his fault that Rodgers appears to be completely washed,” some critics say, but they also acknowledge that Saleh never quite lived up to expectations as an NFL head coach.
While Saleh moves on from the Jets, it’s clear that he made a lasting impact on players like Gardner. His tenure may have been cut short, but the relationships he built and the lives he influenced will continue long after his coaching stint in New York.
Whether Saleh gets another shot as a head coach remains to be seen, but his legacy with the Jets, at least for players like Gardner, will be remembered fondly.
