Rod Gardner is a former American football wide receiver best known for his time in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. Drafted in the first round in 2001, Gardner quickly built a reputation as a reliable playmaker. Over six seasons, he also played for the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Fans often search about his net worth, career stats, wife Leticia Gardner, and life after football.
Beyond the field, Gardner became known for his role as a dedicated husband and father. His story blends professional success with family values, making him a figure of continued public interest. This blog covers everything from his NFL career and contracts to his earning sources, wife, kids, and current lifestyle in 2025.
Who is Rod Gardner?
Rod Gardner is a former American football wide receiver who played in the NFL. Born on October 26, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, he became known for his strong build and reliable catching ability. Gardner played college football at Clemson University, where he was a standout receiver and earned All-American honors. In the 2001 NFL Draft, he was picked in the first round by the Washington Redskins. Over his career, he also spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Fans remember him for his big plays and consistency on the field. After leaving the NFL, Gardner shifted his focus to family and business ventures. Today, he is often searched for details about his net worth, career stats, wife Leticia Gardner, and life after football.
About Rod Gardner
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rod Gardner |
| Born | October 26, 1977 – Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| College | Clemson University |
| NFL Draft | 2001, Round 1 – Washington Redskins |
| NFL Teams | Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Career Highlights | 240+ receptions, 4,000+ receiving yards |
| Family | Married to Leticia Gardner, father of children |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated around $10 million USD |
| Current Focus | Family life, business ventures, public interest in net worth |
Rod Gardner Net Worth
Rod Gardner net worth in 2025 is not confirmed. His biggest income came from the NFL. His rookie contract in 2001 was worth about $7.78 million, which formed the base of his wealth. Adding later contracts, business activities, and investments, his net worth is often estimated at around $10 million. While he did not have the longest NFL career, his first-round draft status and guaranteed contract helped him secure financial stability. Most estimates today are based on his career earnings plus reasonable growth from ventures after retirement.
Rod Gardner finances mirror steady career earnings. A similar journey in another field is seen with Jack Hartmann net worth timeline shows growth through dedication and consistent work.
Rod Gardner Earning Sources
| Source | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| 2001 Rookie Contract (Redskins) | $7.78 million |
| Carolina Panthers Contract | $500,000+ |
| Green Bay Packers Contract | $300,000+ |
| Kansas City Chiefs Contract | $200,000+ |
| Business & Investments (Post-NFL) | $1–2 million+ |
Total Estimated Career Earnings: Around $10 million
Rod Gardner Net Worth Timeline (2001–2025)
| Year | Key Moment | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Drafted by Washington Redskins, signed rookie deal worth $7.78M | ~$2M (signing bonus + first payments) |
| 2002–2004 | Active starter, steady salary from Redskins | ~$5M |
| 2005 | Played for Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers | ~$6M |
| 2006 | Final NFL season with Kansas City Chiefs | ~$7M |
| 2007–2015 | Post-NFL transition, family focus, small ventures | ~$7.5M |
| 2016–2020 | Investments and business growth | ~$8M–$8.5M |
| 2021–2023 | Public interest in net worth rises, family brand with wife Leticia grows | ~$9M |
| 2025 | Retired athlete, businessman, family man | ~$10M |
Rod Gardner Contracts and Salary
Rod Gardner’s most significant financial achievement occurred early in his NFL career when he signed a five-year, $7.78 million rookie contract with the Washington Redskins in 2001, including a substantial signing bonus that comprised the bulk of his earnings. Following his time in Washington, he signed shorter, one-year contracts with the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs, each worth a few hundred thousand dollars, which, while contributing to his income, were considerably less than his rookie deal. Over six seasons in the NFL, Gardner’s total salary and bonuses are estimated at around $8 million, and with subsequent business ventures, his overall financial worth is often estimated near $10 million today.
Rod Gardner Salary by Team
| Team | Years Played | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Redskins | 2001–2004 | ~$7.78 Million (rookie contract, 5 years) |
| Carolina Panthers | 2005 | ~$500,000+ |
| Green Bay Packers | 2005 | ~$300,000+ |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 2006 | ~$200,000+ |
| Total Career Earnings | 2001–2006 | ~$8 Million |
Rod Gardner NFL Career
Rod Gardner was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He quickly became a reliable wide receiver, known for his size and catching ability. Over his career, he played for the Redskins, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Gardner’s best years were in Washington, where he made over 200 receptions and passed 2,700 yards. His NFL career ran from 2001 until 2006. While not the longest run, he left his mark as a first-round pick with solid stats and a reputation as a dependable receiver. Fans still look back on his time in Washington as the highlight of his professional football journey.
How much money did Rod Gardner make in the NFL?
Rod Gardner’s biggest payday came from his rookie deal. In 2001, he signed a five-year contract with the Washington Redskins worth about $7.78 million, including bonuses. This deal made up the majority of his career earnings. Later contracts with the Panthers, Packers, and Chiefs added to his total, but those were shorter and less valuable. Across his six-year NFL career, Gardner’s earnings are estimated to be around $8 million in total. While not among the league’s highest, it was a strong figure for his time and position. These contracts provided the base for his later financial growth, with much of his estimated 2025 net worth linked back to his playing days.
How Long Did Rod Gardner Play in the NFL?
Rod Gardner played in the NFL for six seasons. He entered the league in 2001 when the Washington Redskins drafted him in the first round. Gardner stayed with Washington until 2004, then joined the Carolina Panthers in 2005. That same season, he also played briefly for the Green Bay Packers. In 2006, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, which marked his final NFL season.
Although his career was not as long as some wide receivers, Gardner made an impact with more than 240 receptions and over 4,000 yards. His time in Washington is remembered as the best part of his career, with consistent starts and reliable performances. Overall, his career spanned from 2001 to 2006 before he officially stepped away from the league.
Sports Career of Rod Gardner
Rod Gardner built his name as a wide receiver in American football. He played college football at Clemson University, where he became an All-American and earned attention for his size and skill. In the 2001 NFL Draft, Gardner was picked in the first round by the Washington Redskins.
He had a strong rookie season and stayed with Washington for four years. Later, he played for the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Gardner’s career lasted from 2001 to 2006, with more than 240 receptions and 4,000+ yards. His best years came in Washington, where he was a reliable starter. Though his career was not very long, he left a clear mark as a first-round pick and strong performer.
What NFL Team Did Rod Gardner Play For?
Rod Gardner played for four NFL teams during his professional football career. He began with the Washington Redskins in 2001, the team that drafted him in the first round of the NFL Draft. Gardner spent four productive seasons in Washington, where he recorded most of his career receptions and yards. In 2005, he signed with the Carolina Panthers and later that year moved to the Green Bay Packers.
His final NFL season came in 2006 when he played with the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans often associate him most with the Redskins because of his early success and starting role. Across these teams, Gardner made a name as a reliable wide receiver with strong athletic skills, even though his overall career length was shorter than many expected for a first-round pick.
Rod Gardner Wife and Kids
Rod Gardner is married to Leticia Gardner, a well-known fitness coach and motivational speaker. She is his current wife and partner in family and business life. Before Leticia, Rod was previously married, though details of his first wife are not widely public. Together, Rod and Leticia are raising their children and often share family moments online. Leticia has daughters named Samone and Avianna, who are part of their blended family.
Rod is also a father figure to them and takes an active role in parenting. The Gardner family is often admired for their strong bond and supportive relationship. Leticia frequently highlights Rod’s role as both a husband and a dad, while balancing her own career and mentorship work. Today, their family is central to Rod’s life after football, and much of his public attention connects to his wife and kids.
Like Rod Gardner, many athletes build recognition early. Rising pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters is another example, with her career, net worth, and family life drawing wide attention.
People Also Asked
How long did Rod Gardner play in the NFL?
Rod Gardner played in the NFL for six seasons, from 2001 to 2006.
How much did Rod Gardner make in the NFL?
Rod Gardner earned about $8 million, mostly from his $7.78M rookie contract with Washington.
What NFL team did Rod from The Amazing Race play for?
Rod Gardner played for the Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
What does Rod Gardner do for a living?
Today, Rod Gardner focuses on business ventures and family life, often supporting his wife Leticia’s fitness brand.
Where does Rod Gardner live now?
Rod Gardner lives in the United States, keeping his exact residence private while raising his family.
Do teams on The Amazing Race get paid?
Yes, Amazing Race teams are paid; the winning team gets a major cash prize, and others often receive stipends.
How much did Rod Gardner weigh?
During his NFL career, Rod Gardner weighed about 213 pounds (97 kg).
Who was the longest playing NFL player in history?
The longest-playing NFL player is George Blanda, who had a 26-season career.
Who was the NFL player on Amazing Race?
The NFL player on The Amazing Race was Rod Gardner, former wide receiver for multiple teams.
Conclusion
Rod Gardner’s journey shows the path of a first-round NFL draft pick who made his mark in a short but impactful career. From his standout years with the Washington Redskins to later seasons with the Panthers, Packers, and Chiefs, he built financial stability through contracts worth nearly $8 million. Today, Gardner’s estimated net worth is close to $10 million, strengthened by his post-football ventures.
Beyond money and stats, his life is centered on his wife Leticia Gardner and their children. While no longer on the field, his story remains of interest to fans who want to know about his career, family, and current life. Rod Gardner stands as an example of an athlete who transitioned successfully into family and business after football.
