‘TAR’ Rod Gardner’s Net Worth: Does He Need The Money?

Rod Gardner appears on 'The Amazing Race' | Courtesy of CBS

Former NFL player Rod Gardner made his The Amazing Race debut on March 13, raising questions about his net worth.

Beginning in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, The Amazing Race introduced 13 brand new teams to compete for the $1 million grand prize. Unlike in seasons in the past, the show has decided to raise the stakes. Season 36 will eliminate the team that finishes in last place each week. There are no more second chances or training wheels for contestants.

For Rod and Leticia Gardner, it appears that they have no need for any added help. The couple got off to a quick start and never looked back, finishing the episode as one of the favorites to take home the cash prize. While taking time during their confessional, the couple reflected on their competitive nature. “I hate losing,” Leticia said.

Rod Gardner’s Net Worth

As a former football player, Rod Gardner has plenty of experience in making his way to the top. During his time at Clemson, Gardner became the first single-season 1,000-yard receiver in school history. His impressive numbers caught the attention of several NFL scouts. Despite only playing wide receiver for a few seasons, Gardner became the 15th overall selection in the 2001 NFL Draft, going to the Washington Redskins (now Commanders).

Throughout his six-year NFL career, Gardner appeared in over 90 games, playing for four teams. After showing initial promise with Washington to start his career, he eventually found himself buried on the depth chart. By 2006, he played his last game as a pro with the Kansas City Chiefs. As reported by ESPN, Gardner signed a 5-year contract in 2001 worth $7.78 million. With added incentives, his earning had the potential to climb up to $11.4 million.

Following his exit from the league, Gardner continued to strive for success. After meeting his future wife, Leticia, in 2009, the couple soon set their eyes on developing their respective health supplement brands. Together, the couple is estimated to have a net worth of over 10 million dollars.

Learning About Each Other

In April 2023, Rod and Leticia Gardner made an appearance on the Marriage & Money Podcast, hosted by Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson. Together, the couple discussed everything from their blended family to what it’s like creating healthy boundaries within a relationship. But when asked what it’s like being in a relationship with a former athlete, Leticia referred to their time filming The Amazing Race.

Rod and Leticia Gardner appear on 'Marriage & Money' Podcast | Courtesy of YouTube
Rod and Leticia Gardner appear on ‘Marriage & Money’ Podcast | Courtesy of YouTube

Despite being filmed before Season 35’s production began, Season 36 of The Amazing Race sat on the shelf for nearly a year and a half. But for Leticia, she took home what she learned from the show almost immediately. “So I can’t disclose the show we just shot, because we signed an NDA and it’s not released yet,” she began. “But on this particular show, there are a lot of challenges. And we learned so much about it. It made me understand and appreciate his philosophy. It also made me realize that as much as I want to be a part of that, that’s not for me.”

What are your thoughts on Rod and Leticia Garnder? Do you think they have what it takes to win? Let us know in the comments section.

Allie Johnson

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