Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner
Cornerback · New York Jets
Donruss Elite #Not visible
Year & Era
2022 — Current Modern Era
Card Type
Insert Parallel
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint
Rarity
Uncommon insert parallel from Donruss Elite, though specific print run depends on the exact subset and parallel tier.
Overall Assessment
A visually striking insert card of one of the NFL's premier shutdown cornerbacks, great for a Jets fan or modern player PC.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint
Centering Assessment
Front appears relatively well-centered with standard borders, back not visible.
Surface Condition
Near Mint, clean refractor finish with no major scratches or print lines visible under standard lighting.
Corner Condition
Sharp corners with light handling wear typical of cards pulled and placed into binders or sleeves.
Edge Condition
Clean edges with standard factory cutting and minor silver foil wear possible.
Print Quality
High print quality with crisp imagery, vibrant silver/red foil accents, and clear typography.
Estimated Value
$5 - $15 raw depending on exact parallel and market demand.
Comparison to Known Examples
Comparable to standard modern inserts of top defensive rookies from 2022 releases.
Authentication Tips
Check for correct foil reflection, official NFL/NFLPA licensing logos, and authentic card stock thickness.
Grading Recommendation
Raw presentation is likely not worth grading unless it falls into a very rare low-numbered parallel, due to grading fees exceeding card value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; standard raw modern card handled by collector.
Provenance Notes
Sourced from 2022 Donruss Elite retail or hobby boxes, commonly found in modern packs.
Historical Context
Sauce Gardner was the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a first-team All-Pro selection in his rookie season.
Market Trends
Stable market for defensive stars, though defensive backs generally command lower premiums than quarterbacks or skill-position players.
Investment Potential
Hold. Defensive backs carry moderate long-term value unless they achieve multi-time Defensive Player of the Year status.
Similar Cards
2022 Donruss Elite rookies, 2022 Panini Prizm Sauce Gardner rookie cards, other high-end insert sets like Rookies and Stars.
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve followed by a top loader or magnetic one-touch holder, stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Interesting Facts
Gardner famously did not allow a single touchdown in his entire college career at Cincinnati.