Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has quickly become one of the most prominent names in the NFL. In addition to his loud personality, the New York Jets cornerback plays a lockdown position and is regarded as one of the top athletes ever to play that position, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the league.
In 2025, Sauce Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million. That number will probably skyrocket after he signs a record-breaking contract extension. Let’s take a look at his career, contract, and life history to see how he has accumulated his millionaire status.
Early Life and High School Career
Ahmad Gardner was born on August 31, 2000, in Detroit, Michigan. He received the name “Sauce” from a youth coach after the coach liked his moves and began calling him A1 Sauce Sweet Feet.
Gardner also played wide receiver in high school, along with cornerback, at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. Gardner helped lead his team to the Division 2 State Championship, where he accumulated four receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns, capping off his position as one of the top players in the state of Michigan. He finished his career earning AP All-State at Cornerback.
College Career at Cincinnati
Gardner was a three-star in his recruiting class but chose the University of Cincinnati, where he was a foundational player on the Bearcats’ defense. While in his first year at Cincinnati, Gardner had 31 tackles and 3 interceptions on the season, and during his second year, he was named first-team All-American. As a junior, he had 40 tackles and 3 interceptions and won the AAC Defensive Player of the Year. This level of dominance led him to have a key role with Cincinnati in the College Football Playoff and made him one of the top prospects in the NFL Draft in 2022.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Gardner was selected fourth overall in the first round by the New York Jets. During his first season, he won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made it to the Pro Bowl, and won first-team All-Pro honors.
Rookie Statistics in the NFL (2022 Season)
Tackles
Interceptions
In the league, leading 20 passes defended
Sophomore Season (2023)
Tackles
Pass breakups
Another Pro Bowl & 1st Team All-Pro selection
Season Stats
In the 2025 season, Gardner played 15 games, recording 49 U tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack. One of the highlights for the Jets in 2025 was a last-second interception against the Jaguars.
Record Contracts & Cashflow
Most of Sauce Gardner’s monetary success will come from the cash in his NFL contracts.
Rookie Contract 2022-2026:
The rookie contract 2022-2026 guaranteed Sauce Gardner a value up to $20.2 million, with a player option.
Historic Extension (2025):
Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million deal in July 2025, which included a cash guarantee of $85.6 million. The deal made Gardner the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, surpassing Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward, and Jalen Ramsey.
The extension will keep him in the Jets’ organization through the year 2030.
Sponsor Deals/Personal Branding
Sauce Gardner made some money off the field as well. In 2022, Gardner partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings and created a signature sweet and spicy barbecue sauce named Sauce Sauce, named after his nickname, Sauce. Given his brand and notoriety, Gardner will most likely see more entrepreneurial partnerships/deals in the future.
Sauce Gardner’s Personal Life
Sauce Gardner’s personal side has also made headlines. Instagram reported in 2025 that Sauce Gardner was dating rapper Ice Spice after she shared a photo of them together.
Comparing Gardner’s Net Worth to Some Legendary NFL Playmakers
Now that Sauce Gardner has a new contract, his income may now compare to some of the best cornerbacks in NFL history.
Ed Reed Net Worth: $12 million
Jalen Ramsey Net Worth: $50 million
Sauce Gardner’s Net Worth (2025): As of now, his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, and the cash will continue to rise rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sauce Gardner
Q1: What is Sauce Gardner’s Net Worth in 2025?
A1: Sauce Gardner’s net worth is around $20 million, and his new contract will quickly increase this value in the future.
Q2: What team does Sauce Gardner play for?
A2: Sauce Gardner plays for the New York Jets. The team selected him in the first round, 4th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft. Q3: How much is Sauce Gardner’s contract?
A3: Sauce Gardner signed a deal of 4 years & $120.4 million with $85.6 million guaranteed cash, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the history of the NFL.
Q4: How did Sauce Gardner get his nickname “Sauce”?
A4: At the age of six, one of his youth coaches nicknamed him “A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner.” The nickname, Sauce, has stuck with him and has become a part of his identity.
Q5: Is Sauce Gardner in a relationship?
A5: Yes. In 2025, Sauce Gardner is dating a rapper named Ice Spice.
