Jets’ Sauce Gardner Says He Can ‘Most Definitely’ Be Greatest CB in NFL History

New York Jets star Sauce Gardner isn’t putting a ceiling on the heights he can reach in the NFL.

The rookie cornerback responded affirmatively in an interview with Complex’s Zion Olojede when asked if he could become the best ever at his position:

“Oh yeah, most definitely. There’s a lot of great guys I watch like Deion Sanders. I still study their game. The fact that was I able to come in and be on pace to where I want to end is a true blessing. But I want to be able to win a Super Bowl. That’s my main goal. That’s the main thing I want to get out of this.”

Being a cornerback requires a wealth of self-confidence. You have to trust your own abilities and can’t second-guess yourself when you’re often left on an island against an opponent’s best wide receiver.

In Gardner’s case, it’s easy to see why he already believes he can attain legendary status.

The 22-year-old played at an elite level right out of the gate, finishing with 75 tackles, two interceptions and an NFL-high 20 passes defended. In addition to representing the AFC in the Pro Bowl Games, he became the first rookie since Ronnie Lott in 1981 to be a first-team All-Pro at cornerback.

The odds of Gardner surpassing Sanders, who’s widely regarded as the greatest corner ever, are probably low. Prime Time was a six-time All-Pro who still received Defensive Player of the Year votes into his early 30s.

The Hall of Famer was arguably the first to truly be considered a shutdown cornerback because of how well he blanketed his side of the field.

Even if Gardner doesn’t enjoy that kind of consistent success, it looks like he’s embarking on what will be a noteworthy career.