Gardner played college footballatFlorida State from 1999 to 2002.[3] He caught 33 passes for 649 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2001, earning honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. He recorded 38 receptions for 625 yards and eight touchdowns in 2002.[3][4] Overall, he totaled 90 receptions for 1,595 yards and 19 touchdowns during his college career.[3]
Gardner was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round, with the 231st overall pick, of the 2003 NFL Draft.[5][6] He officially signed with the team on July 25, 2003. He was waived on August 31 and signed to the team's practice squad on September 2. Gardner was promoted to the active roster on October 4 and played in 10 games, starting one, for the Saints during the 2003 season. He caught three passes for 29 yards and recorded two solo tackles.[2]
Gardner played in 11 games, starting one, in 2004, recording one reception for 23 yards and nine solo tackles. He re-signed with the Saints on March 18, 2005. He was waived on September 2, 2005.[2]
Gardner signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League on February 1, 2006.[7] He requested his release after the Tiger-Cats wanted to place him on the practice roster to start the season.[8]
Gardner signed with the Tiger-Cats on March 20, 2007.[10] He played in seven games for the Tiger-Cats in 2007, catching 18 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded one tackle and lost one fumble.[1]
