Gardner played college football at Clemson University, where he started as a quarterback and safety on the practice squad (as a true freshman) before switching to wide receiver his sophomore year.
He was selected as a second team All-ACC during his junior year after setting the school record for catches, yards, and receptions per game.
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).
[6] He spent most of the season fourth on the Panthers' depth chart, behind Steve Smith, Keary Colbert, and Ricky Proehl.
[9] Gardner competed on the thirty-sixth season of the American reality competition show The Amazing Race with his wife Leticia,[11] finishing in third place.