Roderick F. Gardner (born October 26, 1977 in Jacksonville, Florida) is an American football wide receiver in the National Football League, who is currently a free agent.

[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 freshman redshirt) before switching to wide receiver during 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 first team All-American as well. He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award after posting seven touchdowns on 58 receptions and 1,050 yards.

[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. 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. He re-signed with Green Bay on March 21, 2006. On September 2, 2006, Gardner was waived by the Packers.

[edit] Kansas City Chiefs

On September 13, 2006 he signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2006 with the Chiefs he only had 2 receptions for 17 yards. He was cut from the Chiefs before the 2007 season.