We have an old-fashioned cornerback beef on social media.
A post about New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner prompted some trash talk between a pair of former cornerbacks.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranked Gardner as the second-best cornerback in the NFL, however, Samuel commented that Gardner’s ranking got a boost from the fact that he plays in New York.
“The New York media will take your career to another level,” Samuel said.
Gardner clapped back at Samuel by mentioning the poll had nothing to do with the media.
“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 wrote in a tweet.
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Samuel, who went to four Pro Bowls, also said the “New York media” treatment had a similar effect on Darrelle Revis, who is getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.
“Quit being a hater when it comes to young rising stars @ the cornerback position,” Revis wrote on Twitter to Samuel. “Be mad @ the voters who never considered you shutdown.”
Samuel wasn’t letting up as he continued the back-and-forth in another tweet directed at Gardner.
“Just like the pro bowl votes use to be. Yes you have the best media behind you,” Samuel wrote. “I challenge you to turn some of those pass break up to interceptions this year. You will hear from me.”
Revis then provided the kill shot as he relayed a story of how former Jets head coach Rex Ryan told receivers how to prepare for Samuel.
“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 route. I recall Rex saying to receivers in our weekly team meetings,” Revis wrote.
“The game plan was if he line up across from you, double move him every time. So in practice our receivers referred to him as the “DOUBLE MOVE KING.”
Samuel fired back by stating Revis was beaten on more double moves over the course of their careers.
“Try again mother sucker.. I’m a 1st ballot Hall of Famer,” Revis said.
Samuel posted screenshots of his stats side by side with Revis’s stats.
It should be noted that Samuel has more interceptions, forced fumbles, touchdowns, games played, and championships than Revis. Revis has more Pro Bowl appearances, All-Pro selections, fumble recoveries, and tackles than Samuel.
Gardner had an exceptional rookie year that produced four interceptions and a league-high 20 passes defended. He claimed NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year while also being named a First-Team All-Pro.
“And I challenge myself to do the same thang. Along with my coaches,” Gardner said in response to the shade. “Ion need you ‘challenging’ me to do nothin 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.”
Samuel retired from the NFL in 2013 after 11 seasons in the league. His son Asante Samuel Jr. is now a corner for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Jets and Chargers match up on November 6th.
