On the latest episode of Punch Line Pod with Marlon Humphrey, the three-time Pro Bowl Ravens cornerback criticized the standout rookie season of Jets star defensive back Sauce Gardner.
“I’m not hating and this was last year,” said Humphrey. “Sauce got away with a lot [of holding] last year. I mean a lot. A lot.”
Following the odd callout, Gardner fired back at Humphrey’s criticism on on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Me personally, if I gotta say ‘I’m not hating’ before I say something about somebody, then I’m just not gon’ say it. That’s me tho,” he posted.
Me personally, if I gotta say "I'm not hating" before I say something about somebody then I'm just not gon' say it😂That's me tho . https://t.co/TUVNCfcyqM
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) November 14, 2023
Gardner, who is widely regarded as the NFL’s best corner in just his second year, earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors last season after posting 75 tackles, 20 passes defensed and two interceptions.
While it is rather strange to see a non-division rival, who plays the same position, blast a fellow corner for “holding too much,” one thing is clear.
It appears that Humphrey is using his microphone and platform in attempt to diminish the Jets standout’s skills hoping it will elevate his own status.