New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner is facing backlash after making controversial comments on social media, leading some fans to label him an “incel.” The 24-year-old Pro Bowl defensive back found himself in hot water after posting a series of tweets during the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Gardner shared a photo of a woman in the crowd holding a sign that read, “Josh [Allen], I just got married, but I’d leave my husband for you! P.S. He’s right here,” referring to the Bills’ star quarterback. The seemingly lighthearted sign caught Gardner’s attention, but his response took an unexpected turn.
In a follow-up tweet, Gardner commented on the situation, saying, “Most females these days will call you insecure if you get mad at this behavior.” His tweet implied that if the woman’s husband expressed anger over the sign, “most females” would label him as insecure. Gardner’s remark was quickly criticized, with many fans questioning why one of the NFL’s top defensive players would post such a comment.
The term “incel” began trending in connection with Gardner’s post. Short for “involuntary celibate,” the term refers to individuals—typically men—who are part of an online subculture that harbors hostility toward women and those in relationships. While Gardner likely didn’t intend for his comment to spark such a reaction, it led to an onslaught of responses accusing him of perpetuating negative stereotypes and using problematic language.
“Christ help me, my CB1 is parroting incel talking points,” tweeted one frustrated Jets fan, lamenting the star cornerback’s comments.
RELATED: New York Jets Star Sauce Gardner Spotted With ‘Mob Boss’ In Florida
Another response added, “Periodic reminder that using the word ‘females’ in place of ‘women’ gives off major incel vibes,” echoing the broader criticism about Gardner’s choice of words and the connotations they carry.
Others were bewildered as to why Gardner, a young multimillionaire and one of the NFL’s brightest stars, would post such a comment. “Brother, you are a young multimillionaire athlete. Why are you tweeting like an incel?” another fan wondered.
“The best corner in the NFL is an incel,” one fan quipped, while another sarcastically added, “That Incel Grift pays good for an athlete to be doing it.”
Despite the backlash, Gardner has yet to respond to the criticisms directly. Known for his fiery demeanor on the field, Gardner has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the NFL. After being drafted fourth overall by the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Cincinnati, Gardner quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
In his rookie season, he earned a Pro Bowl nod, was named to the All-Pro First Team, and won the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
While Gardner’s performance on the field continues to garner praise, his off-field comments have sparked a different kind of attention. The controversy surrounding his tweets highlights the often blurred line between athletes’ social media presence and their public persona.
As Gardner navigates the fallout, it remains to be seen whether this incident will have any lasting impact on his reputation, both with fans and within the league.
Ultimately, the reaction to Gardner’s comments underscores the sensitivity surrounding language and attitudes toward gender, especially in a world where public figures are scrutinized for everything they say.
For now, fans are left hoping that Gardner will focus on his dominant play on the field and steer clear of any more controversial social media commentary.
