Sauce Gardner wins Defensive Rookie of the Year as Jets sweep rookie awards

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has been recognized as the top defensive rookie this season.

In a vote likely surprising nobody, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has been named this season’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Gardner led the league with 20 passes defended and added two interceptions. Gardner was voted to the Pro Bowl and was named First-Team All-Pro.

Gardner became the first rookie cornerback since Ronnie Lott in 1981 to be named First-Team All-Pro. Lott went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Arguably the best rookie in the entire league this season, Gardner takes his rightful place as the award winner of the league’s best defensive rookie for 2022.

Gardner beat out Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen and Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. He joined his teammate Garrett Wilson as a Rookie of the Year, with Wilson winning the offensive award.