CBS
Former Kansas City Chiefs player Rod Gardner and his wife Leticia have recently made headlines as they become the first members of the cast for ‘The Amazing Race’ season 36.
This announcement has sparked excitement among fans of both the popular reality show and football enthusiasts alike.
CBS
Rod Gardner, known for his impressive career as a wide receiver with the Chiefs, has always been recognized for his determination and competitive spirit on the field. Now, he is ready to bring that same energy to ‘The Amazing Race’. With his athletic background and experience working in high-pressure situations, it is no surprise that he and his wife are considered strong contenders for the competition.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports they both give us some insight into their experience and the chance to compete. They know that the race will have its challenges and they are ready to meet them. Rod tells CBS, “I was all in from the beginning, but I didn’t know how we were going to do it as a couple. 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.”
The show will feature 13 couples from places around the world and will have a limited amount of resources. Each team will have to decipher clues and finish challenges and try to reach first place for a cool $1million for their hard work.
rodgardner87 Instagram
Rod had played for the NFL for six seasons so he is very much ready to compete with others during the race. His wife on the other hand focuses on competing against herself and has caused a few clashes between the couple when it comes to the style that Rod has to adjust to, Meanwhile Leticia found out how strong she is. Rod says this about her, “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.”
Rod also was a star wide receiver when he played for Clemson and had been selected to play for the NFL in 2001. He moved on to play for Washington, Carolina Panthers Green Bay Packers and Kansas City. During the 2006 season, He was part of the Chiefs rosetr and went 9-7 to clinch the 6th seed in the playoffs. This year will be the 4th time that the Chiefs will be part of the Super Bowl. Rod talks about that and says, “It’s crazy to see the transition from just trying to make the playoffs, just trying to have a winning season. Now it’s some sort of a dynasty. That’s amazing, but you’ve seen how much work they’ve put in as an organization.
Getting the right players, getting Patrick Mahomes, putting the pieces together and seeing what it has evolved to. Right now you can’t do nothing but cheer. Even if you don’t like them, you cant be mad at them.” Rod does say he rooted for the Raiders this year and enjoys rooting for the underdogs so if the San Fransico 49 er’s win he will be very excited. But in reality, it will be hard to beat Patrick Mahomes so he chooses the Chiefs in hopes that they will win this year. Leticia adds, “I think we still have a jersey downstairs. Maybe I’ll wear it.”
leticiamariegardner Instagram
Leticia Gardner, a former professional dancer, brings her own set of skills to the table. Her agility and grace will undoubtedly be an asset during physical challenges throughout the race. Additionally, her ability to adapt quickly to new environments will prove invaluable in navigating unfamiliar territories. Leticia had moved to atlanta in 2009 and she and Rod have been inseparable ever since. Being part of The Amazing Race has taught them how to be more competitive and have better communication skills. Leticia said, “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.
I was like, hmm nah. My body said she was done.’ 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.”
Together, this power couple embodies teamwork and resilience – qualities that are essential for success in ‘The Amazing Race’. Their shared experiences as athletes have taught them how to work together towards a common goal, making them formidable opponents against other teams.
Fans eagerly anticipate watching Rod and Leticia’s journey unfold on television screens across America. As they embark on this adventure together, their story serves as an inspiration for viewers who dream of pursuing their passions fearlessly. The Gardners’ participation in ‘The Amazing Race’ 2024 promises thrilling entertainment while showcasing their unwavering dedication and love for each other.
 Written by Evangeline TimurÂ
cover image credit YouTube
