Colts CB Sauce Gardner shares letter he wrote to himself

In the aftermath of the Indianapolis Colts' preseason loss to the Detroit Lions, cornerback Sauce Gardner shared a personal letter penned for himself, showcasing his inner thoughts ahead of the 2026 season. Gardner revealed to The Athletic that he often writes such letters due to his critical nature and tendency to overthink situations.

"I always do that a lot because I'm just so critical of myself, and I overthink a lot," he admitted. "Blessing and a curse because sometimes you lose sight of the reality, which is we're not perfect people."

The handwritten note emphasized that Gardner is "more than just a football player." He highlighted his accomplishments both on and off the field, including his business ventures and the positive influence he has on younger fans. Gardner also reflected on his upbringing on the east side of Detroit and urged himself to continue building his legacy.

The message came as Gardner wrapped up the preseason on an encouraging note, despite playing only four snaps against the Lions. His interception of quarterback Luke Altmyer on Detroit's opening possession marked his first interception of a game since the 2024 season. Gardner, a two-time first-team All-Pro, is entering his first full season with the Colts following his trade from the New York Jets in November 2025.