Following Saturday's 26-15 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner let us into the mindset behind his preparation for the 2026 season.
Gardner recently wrote himself a letter of encouragement, per James Boyd of The Athletic, reminding himself of his accomplishments on and off the field.
“I always do that a lot because I’m just so critical of myself, and I overthink a lot,” Gardner said. “Blessing and a curse because sometimes you lose sight of the reality, which is we not perfect people.”
#Colts CB Sauce Gardner wrote a letter of encouragement to himself recently. “I always do that a lot because I’m just so critical of myself, and I overthink a lot. …” “Blessing and a curse because sometimes you lose sight
of the reality, which is we not perfect people.” 📸 IG pic.twitter.com/qSTnxnnFKC
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 29, 2026
In the handwritten note, Gardner refreshed his memory that he's “more than just a football player” while pointing to his business ventures and the example he sets for younger fans. He also reflected on growing up on the east side of Detroit and urged himself to keep building his legacy.
The message came as Gardner finished the preseason on an encouraging note.
Gardner played only four snaps against the Lions, but he ended Detroit’s opening possession by intercepting quarterback Luke Altmyer. It was Gardner’s first interception in a game since the 2024 season, via Colts.com.
The two-time first-team All-Pro is going into his first full season with Indianapolis after the Colts acquired him in a trade from the New York Jets in November 2025.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts CB Sauce Gardner shares letter he wrote to himself
