Selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jets, Gardner was an instant success story, winning AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections in each of his first two seasons.
After receiving a big second contract for a rebuilding Gang Green club, Gardner was sent to the Colts last offseason for a massive offensive of two first-rounders.
He played just three games for the Colts before the calf bothered him, returning before Week 17 and making it even worse. Gardner has a magical explanation for the injury: Karma. But nothing to do with anything controversial or inflammatory.
“When that happened, there was something I did that I shouldn’t have done,” Gardner said. “No big deal, but I just answered a call I shouldn’t have answered and then the next day that happened I’m dead serious, it’s true I feel why I got hurt. I picked up a call I shouldn’t have answered. It was unfortunate, but I know how I have to live and the decisions I have to make now.”
As cryptic and confusing as CB’s explanation is, the most important thing for Colts fans is that Gardner said everything is good to go now.
“I’m definitely healthy,” he said.
In body and spirit, it appears that what bodes well for Indy as one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks, regardless of what happens Thursday, could prove its worth in the coming Sundays.