Former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel is best known for dropping an easy interception that would have sealed a historic undefeated season for the New England Patriots.
Perhaps his way of coping with the pain of that failure is by attacking fellow cornerbacks on social media.
In a recent Twitter exchange, Samuel cast doubt on the reputation of Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, suggesting that the young player’s standing as a top cornerback in the league was inflated by his hometown New York media.
However, things quickly got interesting when his comments sparked a heated debate as Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis came to Gardner’s defense.
Samuel took to Twitter to express his skepticism, referencing an ESPN poll that ranked Gardner as the NFL’s second-best cornerback heading into the 2023 season.
Samuel tweeted, “The New York media will take your career to another level.”
The New York media will take your career to another level https://t.co/XkFnbmoynr
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) July 11, 2023
Gardner responded, which prompted Samuel to dig deeper as he tweeted: “You have the best media behind you. I challenge you to turn some of those pass breakups to interceptions this year. You will hear from me.”
Just like the pro bowl votes use to be. Yes you have the best media behind you. I challenge you to turn some of those pass break up to interceptions this year. You will hear from me
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) July 11, 2023
Gardner responded to Samuel’s comments, expressing his disappointment in the public criticisms. He replied, “(I don’t) need you ‘challenging’ me to do nothing after all this sub-tweeting you’ve been doing when you could’ve just hit me privately like all the other OGs.”
And I challenge myself to do the same thang. Along with my coaches. 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 https://t.co/sVCacIUMDf
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) July 11, 2023
Samuel’s comments caught the attention of another notable (former Jets) cornerback, Darrelle Revis.
Revis, who achieved Hall of Fame status primarily due to his time with Gang Green from 2007 to 2016, defended Gardner against Samuel’s criticisms.
He tweeted, “Quit being a hater when it comes to rising stars at the cornerback position. Be mad at the voters who never considered you ‘shutdown.'”
Revis also made a pointed reference to Samuel’s past performance, recalling a game against the Atlanta Falcons where Samuel struggled with double moves, as emphasized by former Jets coach Rex Ryan.
@pick_six22 just landed. Hear we go smh… 🤦🏾♂️
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…
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) July 11, 2023
The fun continued with the two comparing resumes with each other…
try again mother sucker. 🤣. I’m a 1st Ballot Hall of Famer. scouting report on me was a head coach telling his Quarterback to be cautious to throw my way. It just hit different bro. Maybe you should write a letter to the HOF voters to state your case.
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) July 11, 2023
Whose side are you on – Revis or Samuel?
Is Sauce a top-2 cornerback in the NFL?
Who would you rather have going forward – Sauce or Surtain?
Either way, Samuel might want to cool it with these hot-takes.. He’s been in the news an awful lot lately, most notably for attacking his former coach, Bill Belichick.
Perhaps he should find a hobby and stay off Twitter.