Former NFL Player Rod Gardner Competes in The Amazing Race
Ex-NFL Player Rod Gardner Sets His Sights on Winning 'The Amazing Race'
"I was all in from the beginning," Rod mentioned about joining 'The Amazing Race' prior to admitting uncertainty about how he and his spouse would do as a workforce.
By Allison DeGrusheMar. 14 2024, Published 12:44 p.m. ET
Season 36 of CBS's hit truth competition sequence The Amazing Race has kicked off with nice anticipation! Hosted by Phil Keoghan, this new installment showcases thirteen teams, each bonded by means of pre-existing relationships, as they vie for the coveted $1 million grand prize.
Among the competing duos is the married couple Rod and Leticia Gardner. Now, you might in finding Rod Gardner's name familiar, and rightly so, as he's a former NFL player! Keep reading to delve deeper into his background, achievements on the soccer field, and private lifestyles with his circle of relatives.
Rod Gardner and his spouse, Leticia, competing in Season 36 of 'The Amazing Race.'
Former NFL player Rod Gardner is in Season 36 of 'The Amazing Race.'
For the ones unaware, Rod Gardner boasts an impressive background as both a school and NFL football player. Initially, he graced the gridiron as a wide receiver for Clemson University, where he transitioned from quarterback and safety positions on the apply squad all over his sophomore year.
Ascending to the giant leagues, Rod showcased his skills as a wide receiver for six NFL seasons, particularly drafted by the Washington Commanders (previously the Redskins) as the fifteenth total select in the 2001 NFL draft.
During his rookie season, Rod's standout efficiency against the Carolina Panthers earned him popularity as NFC Offensive Player of the Week, amassing 208 yards and one touchdown. His versatility from his quarterback days led to strategic usage in trick performs, culminating in two passing touchdowns all the way through the 2003 NFL season.
After a four-year stint in Washington, he used to be traded to the Carolina Panthers right through the 2005 offseason. He remained resilient regardless of demanding situations, together with being fourth on the Panthers' depth chart.
Following a short lived season, Rod used to be waived by way of the Panthers in December 2005 and abruptly picked up by way of the Green Bay Packers, the place he in brief re-signed prior to being waived in September 2006.
In September 2006, Rod signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, his tenure with the Chiefs used to be restricted, with minimal receptions in the 2006 season. Subsequently, the extensive receiver used to be launched from the workforce ahead of the 2007 season, marking the conclusion of Rod's skilled soccer profession.
Rod and Leticia Gardner first crossed paths in September 2009.
First issues first, let's delve into Rod and Leticia's love tale! The pair met on Sept. 15, 2009, at Onyx Gentlemen's Club in Atlanta. In a heartwarming Instagram video shared on Sept. 15, 2023, the health business proprietor fondly reminisced about her preliminary come across with her now-husband.
"This is where it all went down," Leticia revealed as she scanned the club together with her phone camera. "Rod was standing against the car 14 years ago today, OK? It was a white car, too, and he said to me, 'Come here, you want to talk to me? I'm a good catch!'"
Seated only some feet away, waiting for the valet, Leticia discovered herself amidst a unexpected flurry of excitement as a number of teams of girls surrounded Rod, cheering him on. So, what did Leticia do, you might ask? Well, she promptly got into her automobile and left! Yet, not long after, she had a transformation of heart and referred to as Rod. They ended up at Waffle House, eating and speaking all night time lengthy. And as they are saying, the leisure is history!
Rod and Leticia joined 'The Amazing Race' without hesitation.
Ahead of the season premiere, Rod and Leticia sat down with CBS Sports to discuss their experience on The Amazing Race and why they didn't hesitate for a moment when offered with the alternative to take part in the show.
"I was all in from the beginning, but I didn't know how we were going to do it as a couple," Rod said. "We really had to see and test out our relationship and our marriage, and see where we stand under pressure, how our communication skills are... I didn't know what to expect when we got on the show but we definitely had some eye-opening moments."
Reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime alternative, the couple shared insights into managing their distinct competitive styles and communique approaches, particularly relating to navigation and bouncing again from setbacks.
"That definitely made it tough because even behind the scenes when he is cheering me on, he is like, 'You know when your body is saying you just need to stop, that's when you gotta go harder,'" Leticia told the outlet. "I was like, hmm, nah. My body said she was done."
She continued, "I think I had to learn how to really go in under pressure, right then and there, a split-second decision. That's what he is good at doing, he had to do that on the field."
lol Rod Gardner is on the Amazing Race. Better hope there isn't any catching problem or they're going to be eliminated.
— James O'Hara (@nextyeardc) March 14, 2024Rod chimed in, adding, "She wasn't a quitter, and I just had to teach her, you know, in football we are always told 'on to next play.' Whatever happened in the last play doesn't matter. We gotta keep pushing forward, we can't focus on that. That was a big game-changer for our relationship because if we did mess up, I was like, 'Baby, it's over. Let's just keep going, don't worry about it.'"
New episodes of The Amazing Race air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on CBS. Stream the subsequent day on Paramount Plus.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXSramam6Ses7p6wqikaKhfp7ylecaaqZ2mlad6r7LLZquhnV2WuqLGyKeeZqqRmLI%3D