Position rankings in the era of social media create quite a stir on the internet, which even includes current and former NFL players chiming in … or going after one another.
Such was the case for Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets and former NFL CB Asante Samuel on Tuesday.
Asante Samuel Calls Out ‘New York Media’ Bias in Reacting to Sauce Gardner’s Ranking
Bro Bible’s Dov Kleiman revealed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler’s listings of the best NFL cornerbacks among executives, players, scouts, and coaches.
At the top is Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos. Following right behind him was Gardner.
#Jets Sauce Gardner and former All-Pro CB Asante Samuel are at each other over the Cornerback rankings.https://t.co/QCVvxLKmYohttps://t.co/sQF88C1YD6 pic.twitter.com/X1xAQUABVs
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 11, 2023
However, Samuel responded by calling out a bias the New York media has — which he clearly feels played into Gardner’s high ranking.
“The New York media will take your career to another level,” the perennial Pro Bowl CB said in reaction to the rankings.
Samuel, who spent his first five seasons in the league facing the Jets twice while collecting Super Bowl wins with the New England Patriots, then responded to a fan who brought up past Jets great Darrelle Revis into the conversation.
“It’s the NY media. What did Revis do [that was] so special? I’ll wait,” Samuel said. “It’s documented what great cornerbacks did in the stats.”
Then came one more fact Samuel presented to his social media followers, which involved Seattle Seahawks rookie CB Tariq Woolen, who earned a Pro Bowl appearance in Year 1 with the ‘Hawks.
“For the record, Tariq had a better rookie season than Sauce,” Samuel said. “They both played outstanding, but what in the hell do y’all be watching? Y’all are highly influenced by the media, not facts.”
Gardner, though, didn’t take long to respond to the four-time Pro Bowler.
Gardner Exchanges in Back and Forth With Samuel
Gardner, already one not shy to show a verbose side, didn’t stay quiet the moment he saw Samuel bring his name into the fold. He began by defending the rankings.
“The tweet literally says those were the cornerback rankings by PLAYERS, EXECUTIVES, SCOUTS, & COACHES … I’m trynna figure out why you keep bringing up NY Media,” Gardner began toward Samuel.
Gardner continued by urging Samuel to relax.
“Damnn you been on my one (expletive) hella lately. You gots to relax … Me personally, I never been the hating type,” Gardner said with laughing emojis.
Samuel, however, continued to back his claim of the NY media playing a role.
“Just like the Pro Bowl votes use to be. Yes, you have the best media behind you. I challenge you to turn some of those pass breakups to interceptions this year. You will hear from me,” Samuel responded.
Gardner reacted with: “And I challenge myself to do the same thang. Along with my coaches. [I don’t] need you ‘challenging’ me to do nothing after all this sub-tweeting you been doing when you could of just hit me privately like all the other OG’s do. Safety bro.”
Lastly, Gardner asked the bold question to Samuel on who he believes is the top CB in the game. Samuel claimed it’s a “year-by-year” deal on who the No. 1 NFL corner is. Gardner, however, criticized the answer.
“So that mean it doesn’t matter about your definition of ‘production’ lol. Pat ain’t got hella picks, but he strappin’ every week. Let me find out you just be posting on here for attention,” Gardner said.
Samuel responded by urging Gardner to not take his responses the wrong way.
“Your right. He didn’t get hella picks but comparing to his peers he got the win. But the year before that, it wasn’t who everyone say it was. Enjoy the journey you are right there keep it up. Don’t take my tweets the wrong way,” Samuel said.
There was one more reactor, though. And that’s where future Jets Hall of Famer Revis comes in.
Story of ‘Double Move King’
Revis got caught up on the exchange between the Jet and former Patriot.
He responded by sharing the story of how Samuel was dubbed the “double move king” by wide receivers under former Jets head coach Rex Ryan because they saw how Samuel was constantly beaten by that maneuver.
@pick_six22 just landed. Hear we go smh… 🤦🏾♂️
I really don’t know much about this guy. never was inspired to watch his film but something does jog my memory. I do remember we played Falcons + Rex Ryan made a highlight clip of him being doubled moved on almost every single…
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) July 11, 2023
Samuel clapped back by stating it was Revis, not him, who was doubled moved more.
“He could have showed you, you got beat by more double move than myself. That’s a fact! If don’t know much, go look in the history books — I’m in there. What about you?” Samuel asked.
Revis fired back with this response:
“Try again, mother sucker. I’m a 1st ballot Hall of Famer.”
