Roderick F. Gardner (born October 26, 1977 in Jacksonville, Florida) is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons.
[edit] College career
Gardner played college football at Clemson University, where he started as a quarterback and safety on the practice squad (as a true redshirt freshman) before switching to wide receiver his sophomore year. He was selected as a second team All-ACC during his junior year. His senior year, he not only made first team All-ACC, but was a first team All-American as well. In 2000, he was one of the ten finalists for the Biletnikoff Award after posting six touchdowns on 51 receptions and 956 yards.[1]
[edit] Professional career
[edit] Washington Redskins
Gardner was chosen by the Washington Redskins with the 15th overall selection in the first-round draft pick of the 2001 NFL Draft. During his rookie year, he was selected as NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a 208-yard, one touchdown performance against the Carolina Panthers. His history at quarterback would lead the Redskins to utilize him on trick plays during games; during the 2003 NFL season he was 2-for-3 for 46 yards and two passing touchdowns (to Chad Morton and Trung Canidate).
[edit] Carolina Panthers
After four seasons in Washington, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers during the 2005 offseason for a sixth-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.[2] He spent most of the season fourth on the Panthers' depth chart, behind Steve Smith, Keary Colbert, and Ricky Proehl.
[edit] Green Bay Packers
Gardner was waived by the Panthers on December 16, 2005, and he was then signed by the Green Bay Packers on December 19, 2005.[3] He re-signed with Green Bay on March 21, 2006. On September 2, 2006, Gardner was waived by the Packers.[4]
[edit] Kansas City Chiefs
In September 2006 he signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.[4] In 2006 with the Chiefs he only had 2 receptions for 17 yards. He was cut from the Chiefs before the 2007 season.[5]
[edit] References
| Persondata |
| Name |
Gardner, Rod |
| Alternative names |
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| Short description |
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| Date of birth |
October 26, 1977 |
| Place of birth |
Jacksonville, Florida |
| Date of death |
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| Place of death |
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