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Devin Jaymes Gardner[1] (born December 14, 1991) is an American former football player. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played professionally in Japan for two seasons.

Key Information

At the University of Michigan, Gardner was the starting quarterback for the Wolverines from 2012 to 2014. Early in the 2013 season, Gardner was awarded Tom Harmon's Michigan Football Legends jersey, becoming the first Michigan player to wear No. 98 in over 70 years. Through the first seven games of the 2013 season, Gardner had 1,779 passing yards, 660 rushing yards, and 22 touchdowns (13 passing, 9 rushing). On October 19, 2013, Gardner broke John Navarre's Michigan single-game record with 503 passing yards. He also broke Denard Robinson's Michigan single-game record with 584 yards of total offense.

As a high school senior, Gardner was rated as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the United States by Rivals.com and the No. 5 quarterback by ESPNU. He enrolled at the University of Michigan in January 2010 and saw limited action in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. During the first half of the 2012 season, he converted to the wide receiver position, but switched back to quarterback after Denard Robinson sustained an elbow injury.

Early life

[edit]

University of Detroit Jesuit High School

[edit]

As a sophomore in 2007, Gardner played football for the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. He missed five games during his sophomore year because of disciplinary issues, but returned for the final four games of the season. Gardner described the problems he experienced in his sophomore year as a turning point: "I had never sat out before, and that hurt a lot. It was a bad feeling, and I did a lot of growing up. I just knew I had to get better."[2] After the coach of his team left, Gardner's grades began to decrease. He wanted to transfer to Saint Martin de Porres High School but the school had closed.[3]

Inkster High School

[edit]

Prior to his junior season, Gardner transferred to Inkster High School in Inkster, Michigan.[3] He was Inkster's starting quarterback under head coach Greg Carter, who led Detroit's Saint Martin de Porres High School to three state championships.[2]

As a junior in 2008, Gardner led Inkster to a state title game and was responsible for 48 touchdowns, 26 passing and 22 rushing. He also compiled 3,287 yards of total offense with 1,886 passing yards and 1,401 rushing yards.[4] He also helped lead Inkster's basketball team to the state semifinals in March 2009.[5]

As a senior in 2009, Gardner again led Inkster to the state finals game. In the second game of the season, Gardner compiled 340 yards passing and 101 yards rushing against East Kentwood High School.[6] The highlight of Gardner's senior season came in Inkster’s final regular season game against Steubenville High School in Steubenville, Ohio. Inkster needed a win to advance to the playoffs, and Steubenville had a 60-game home winning streak. Steubenville led 29–28 with 1:19 left in the game. With 39 seconds left, Gardner threw a 63-yard touchdown pass for the win.[7] Gardner described the game-winning drive against Steubenville as follows:

"First I threw an out and we got out of bounds. (Receiver) Jonathan Taylor got hurt and so he had to come out. Another receiver came in and we did just a regular ol' route. We didn't do nothing special, but they all jumped the out route and left the fly on the outside wide open. I just threw it to (Vorheese Zanders) in between the safety and corner and he made a big play. He made one guy miss, another guy fell down, and he scored."[8]

Gardner accounted for 330 yards (275 yards passing, 55 rushing) and five touchdowns (four passing) in the win over Steubenville.[7][9]

After the win over Steubenville, Gardner led Inkster to four straight wins in the playoffs, including a 51–19 win over Dearborn Edsel Ford High School, a 50–28 win over Redford Thurston High School, and a 35–7 win over Southgate Anderson High School.[10] Gardner led Inkster to its second straight state finals game.[6] Inkster averaged 31 points per game in the 12 games before the final, but lost 27–6 against Lowell High School in the Division 2 title game. Gardner compiled only 134 passing yards in the title game and minus-26 rushing yards after being sacked three times.[6]

In an interview with ESPN in the fall of 2009, Gardner described his passion for the quarterback position: "With me, you better prepare for everything you think could happen because anything can happen when I've got the ball in my hands. I've got the ball in my hands every play, and it's my show."[2]

Combines and rankings

[edit]

After compiling impressive statistics as a junior, Gardner was invited to a number of combines and camps in the Summer of 2009. In June 2009, Gardner participated in the Nike camp in Champaign, Illinois.[11] In July 2009, Gardner participated in the Elite 11 quarterback camp at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, California, as one of the 12 invited quarterbacks.[12] Gardner earned counselor awards for best footwork and work in the classroom at the Elite 11 camp.[11] After watching Gardner perform at the Elite 11, JC Shurburtt wrote for ESPN.com that, "Gardner has also surprised many. His hustle, leadership and athleticism add up to a tremendous maturity that will help him compete early for playing time in Ann Arbor."[12] Barry Every, national analyst for Rivals.com, ranked Gardner as the top overall quarterback at the Elite 11 camp based on long-term potential and the ability to win football games,[11] and added, "He may not be as big or fast as current Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, but he is a close second."[12]

In September 2009, Gardner was ranked as the top quarterback prospect in the United States by Rivals.com.[6][13] He was ranked as the No. 4 quarterback nationally by Scout.com and the No. 5 quarterback in the ESPNU 150.[2][8] In November 2009, Allen Trieu of Scout.com said of Gardner:

"He is considered one of the top handful of quarterbacks in the country and is firmly entrenched as a five-star prospect. As far as upside goes, I don't see many quarterbacks that have his potential. He has improved as a passer, but I think what is overlooked is that he has gotten faster and has broken longer runs. We've also seen several times where he has put this team on his shoulders and pulled out victories in tough situations."[8]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown School Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Devin Gardner
QB 		Inkster, Michigan Inkster (MI) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 198 lb (90 kg) 4.57 Apr 3, 2009 
Recruit ratings: Scout: 5/5 stars   Rivals: 4/5 stars   (81)
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: 43 (national), 5 (QB)    Rivals: 132 (national), 1 (Dual-threat quarterback), 2 (MI)    ESPN: 128 (national), 5 (QB)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Michigan Football Commitments". Rivals. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  • "2010 Michigan Football Commits". Scout. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  • "ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  • "2010 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 5, 2013.

Under Armour All-America Game

[edit]

At end of his senior year in high school, Gardner played in the Under Armour All-America Game. He threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Darius White to help the White team win the contest.[14] After his appearance in the All-America Game, Gardner said, "It was the greatest experience of my life. Even greater than the Steubenville win that (Inkster) had (during the regular season) – which was a monumental for the city of Inkster and the U.S. state of Michigan, even. This is just another monumental event."[15]

Former NFL head coach Sam Wyche coached the opposing Black team and praised Gardner after the game. Wyche said, "Devin is going to be a big-time player at Michigan....Devin has a great smile. He is going to sell a lot of product for somebody. He's got a great personality. He's smart – you can change directions with him and it doesn't bother him at all. He is ready to go."[15]

College career

[edit]
Gardner with the ball in 2013

Commitment to Michigan

[edit]

In the spring of 2009, Gardner gave a verbal commitment to Michigan.[5] Gardner explained his choice as follows: "I feel great, like there was no other place that I would be able to be as comfortable as I am now at a different school. It was just the only decision that I could think of. When I go up there it's like a family atmosphere. Sometimes at other schools it seems sort of fake if you will but at this school I felt like they were real. The big thing was that I was their first choice. They wanted other guys but expressed to me I was their top guy and that's the biggest factor."[16] Gardner received offers from more than 15 colleges, including Notre Dame, Nebraska, Oregon, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Wisconsin, Iowa, Florida and LSU.[4][5] He reported that his second choice was Florida and his third was LSU.[16]

The Detroit Free Press wrote in September 2009 that Gardner's "dual-threat abilities make him an ideal candidate to run Rich Rodriguez's version of the spread offense.[13] Inkster coach Greg Carter expected Gardner to thrive at Michigan: "We definitely have a similar offense. A lot of the things they do may be what made them think he could do well there. We run the spread, have four receivers at times, sometimes three receivers and two backs. So we play similar.... There was nothing we put in that he couldn't handle."[17]

2010 season

[edit]

Gardner enrolled early in January 2010.[18][19]

In December 2009, Tom Luginbill, national recruiting director of ESPN Scouts Inc., said he believed Gardner would compete for Michigan's starting quarterback job in 2010. Luginbill said, "There's no doubt he's got the physical tools to do so."[20] When the Detroit Free Press asked Gardner in December 2009 whether he saw himself starting as a freshman, Gardner said, "Of course I see myself doing that."[16] Gardner played in two games during his freshman season. He completed seven of ten passes for a total of 85 yards and one touchdown. Gardner also rushed for a total of 21 yards on seven rushing attempts, and finished with one rushing touchdown.

2011 season

[edit]

In Gardner's second season at Michigan, Gardner played as a backup behind starting quarterback Denard Robinson, for a second straight year. He appeared in eight of 13 games completing 11 of 23 passes for one touchdown, and rushing for a total of 53 yards with a total of one rushing touchdown. Gardner was featured mostly in offensive coordinator Al Borges' "deuce formation" featuring Denard Robinson in either the slot receiver position, or at running back, and with Devin Gardner at the quarterback position. He played against Northwestern, Michigan State, and Illinois due to an injury to Robinson, and he also appeared in victories over Nebraska and Minnesota. Gardner's touchdown pass to Martavious Odoms in Michigan's game against Illinois sealed a victory for the Wolverines.

2012 season

[edit]
Denard Robinson passing to Gardner.

In Gardner's third season, he was converted to wide receiver. Through the first four games of the season, he was the team's leading receiver with 11 receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns.[21]

Following an injury to Denard Robinson's throwing arm in the eighth game of the season against Nebraska, Gardner returned to the quarterback position. He received his first start as Michigan's quarterback against Minnesota on November 3, 2012. Gardner ran for a touchdown and completed 12 of 18 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns as Michigan defeated the Golden Gophers, 35–13. Four of the touchdown drives were longer than 75 yards.[22][23][24][25]

In his second start at quarterback, Gardner led Michigan to a fourth-quarter comeback and a 38–31 overtime victory against Northwestern. He ran for 47 yards and two touchdowns and completed 16 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns. With two seconds remaining in the game, Roy Roundtree caught a 53-yard pass from Gardner to set up a game-tying field goal. Gardner scored the winning touchdown in overtime on a one-yard run.[26][27][28]

In the final home game of the 2012 season, Gardner accounted for a career-high six touchdowns in a 42–17 victory over Iowa. Gardner completed 18 of 23 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 37 yards and scored three touchdowns.[29] Gardner became the second quarterback in Michigan history to account for six touchdowns in a game, Steve Smith having accomplished the feat in 1981 and again in 1983.[30]

2013 season

[edit]

Gardner was named the starting quarterback for the 2013 Michigan Wolverines football team. Through the first seven games of the 2013 season, Gardner had 1,779 passing yards, 660 rushing yards, and 22 touchdowns (13 passing, nine rushing).[31]

In the season opener against Central Michigan, Gardner completed 10 of 15 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, though he also threw two interceptions.

Prior to the 2013 Notre Dame game, Gardner was awarded the No. 98 Michigan Football Legends jersey in honor of Tom Harmon. He became the first player to wear the No. 98 jersey since Harmon's graduation after the 1940 season.[32] In his first game wearing Harmon's jersey, Gardner led Michigan to a 41–30 victory over Notre Dame. Gardner completed 21 of 33 passes for 294 yards and four touchdowns while throwing one interception.[33] Gardner contributed 376 yards of total offense against Notre Dame, eleventh best in Michigan history.

On October 19, 2013 against Indiana, Gardner broke John Navarre's Michigan single-game record with 503 passing yards. He also broke Denard Robinson's Michigan single-game record with 584 yards of total offense.[34] Gardner and Robinson hold nine of the top ten positions on Michigan's all-time, single-game total yardage list (Jake Rudock has the other).

Statistics

[edit]
Passing Rushing
Season Team GP Comp Att Comp % Yards Yards/Att TD INT Att Yards Ave TD
2010 Michigan 4 7 10 70.0 85 8.5 1 0 7 21 3.0 1
2011 Michigan 9 11 23 47.8 176 7.7 1 1 25 53 2.1 1
2012 Michigan 13 75 126 59.5 1,219 9.7 11 5 47 101 2.1 7
2013 Michigan 12 208 345 60.3 2,960 8.6 21 11 165 483 2.9 11
2014 Michigan 12 174 283 61.5 1,896 6.7 10 15 98 258 2.6 4
Career 50 475 787 60.4 6,336 8.05 44 32 342 916 2.7 24

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Wingspan 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 3+1⁄2 in
(1.92 m)		 218 lb
(99 kg)		 33+1⁄8 in
(0.84 m)		 9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 6 ft 7+1⁄2 in
(2.02 m)		 4.65 s 1.58 s 2.65 s 4.42 s 6.96 s 35.5 in
(0.90 m)		 9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)		 15 reps
All values from Pro Day[35]

New England Patriots

[edit]

After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, Gardner agreed to a contract with the New England Patriots.[36]

Gardner was released by the Patriots on May 18, 2015.[37]

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

Gardner was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 19, 2015. The Steelers practiced with Gardner as a quarterback instead of wide receiver.[38] He did not make the team, and was released on August 17, 2015.[39]

Nojima Sagamihara Rise

[edit]

Gardner played for the Nojima Sagamihara Rise of Japan's X-League.[40] The Rise would finish the season third in the Central division missing out on a playoff berth. Gardner however finished the season passing for 1,746 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also had eight rushing touchdowns on 70 carries for 397 yards. For his efforts, he was awarded the 2016 X-League Rookie of the Year award.[41]

Saskatchewan Roughriders

[edit]

Gardner was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on June 27, 2018.[42] He was released by the team on August 15, 2018.[43]

Media career

[edit]

In September 2019 it was announced that Gardner had joined Bally Sports Detroit to be part of their High School Football coverage. He also provides regional color commentary for Fox Sports 1's college football coverage.

Personal

[edit]

Gardner appeared in the Faces in the Crowd section of the November 16, 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in Afro-American and African studies and is enrolled in the university's Master of Social Work Program.[44]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Devin Gardner

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Devin Jaymes Gardner (born December 14, 1991) is an American sports broadcaster and former best known for his tenure as a starter with the from 2012 to 2014. During his college career, Gardner appeared in 49 games, making 31 starts primarily at , while accumulating 6,336 passing yards, 44 passing touchdowns, and 24 rushing touchdowns, ranking among Michigan's all-time leaders in several categories. After a brief professional playing career that included undrafted free agent signings with the and in 2015 (with no games played) followed by stints abroad, he transitioned to , earning multiple and serving as a sideline reporter for the United Football League (UFL) and college football analyst for as of 2025. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Gardner attended Inkster High School, where he excelled as a dual-threat quarterback, earning Parade Magazine All-American honors and leading his team to back-to-back state championship appearances in 2008 and 2009. A highly touted recruit, he enrolled early at the University of Michigan in spring 2010, initially playing wide receiver before transitioning to quarterback; he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Afro-American and African studies in three years and later pursued a Master of Social Work. As a Wolverine, Gardner set single-game school records with 503 passing yards and 584 total yards against Indiana in 2013, and he served as team captain in his senior year of 2014. Following his college career, Gardner signed as an undrafted free agent with the and later the in 2015 but did not play in the ; he then competed professionally with the Sagamihara Rise in Japan's X-League from 2016 to 2017 and the in the Canadian Football League in 2018. In broadcasting, he has won four Sports Emmy Awards for his work with Bally Sports Detroit and contributes to youth mentorship through his founded organization, Young Go Getters, which supports athletes in the metro area.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Devin Gardner was born on December 14, 1991, in , . His , Marlene Turner, served as the primary caregiver, raising Gardner and his four siblings—including two older brothers, and —as a amid early family challenges in a tough urban environment. Turner instilled a strict daily routine focused on , , and personal responsibility, emphasizing that her children must exceed the limitations of their surroundings to achieve success. David's role was particularly influential, as he lived with Gardner during middle school, supervising his activities to shield him from street influences and enforcing academic focus. Gardner grew up on Detroit's east side, where family structure, , and resilience became core influences shaping his development. Turner's guidance highlighted self-expectation and perseverance, while provided a foundation for gratitude and handling adversity, as Gardner later reflected in moments of personal triumph. His brothers' athletic involvement offered early exposure to sports, fostering Gardner's initial interest in football through informal play and observation. This familial emphasis on structure and resilience laid the groundwork for Gardner's transition to organized football in high school.

High school career at University of Detroit Jesuit

Devin Gardner enrolled at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy in 2006, beginning his high school football career there as a . During his and years, he developed as a , showcasing his skills in limited playing time while adapting to the demands of varsity competition. As a in 2007, Gardner emerged as a , utilizing both his passing and rushing abilities to contribute significantly to the team. He passed for 1,000 yards and rushed for 475 yards during the season, demonstrating early potential as a versatile athlete capable of impacting the game through multiple facets. Academically, Gardner faced challenges at Jesuit, where his grades initially struggled amid the pressures of athletic participation and school transitions, though this period laid the groundwork for later improvements in his scholastic performance.

Transfer to Inkster High School

Following his sophomore year at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, where he had begun to demonstrate dual-threat quarterback potential with over 1,000 passing yards, Devin Gardner transferred to Inkster High School in 2008 ahead of his junior season. The move was motivated by a desire for a more disciplined environment and the opportunity to play under coach Greg Carter, a respected figure Gardner had wanted to join since middle school but whose prior school, St. Martin de Porres, had closed before Gardner entered high school; Gardner had grown dissatisfied with the less structured atmosphere at Jesuit, including minor disciplinary issues like uniform violations that prompted family discussions about his future. As Inkster's starting in the 2008 season, Gardner adapted to the new team dynamics by embracing Carter's emphasis on academics, behavior, and football fundamentals, which helped him maintain eligibility as a rising recruit while navigating heightened visibility from scouts. He completed 98 of 170 passes for 1,886 yards and 26 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions, achieving a 58% completion rate, and added 1,401 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. These performances showcased his growth in decision-making and mobility, though the transition required quick integration with new teammates and adjusting to a program with higher expectations for playoff contention. Gardner's junior-year leadership was pivotal in elevating Inkster to a 12-2 record, securing a Division 3 playoff run that culminated in a state final appearance against East Grand Rapids, where the fell 43-24 despite his contributions. His dual-threat ability not only boosted the team's offensive output but also fostered cohesion in a restructured roster, marking a successful adjustment that positioned Inkster as a perennial contender.

Recruiting rankings and combines

As a senior at Inkster High School in 2009, Devin Gardner demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities, passing for 1,930 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 991 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, helping lead the Vikings to the Michigan Division 2 state championship game. Gardner's performance elevated his national recruiting profile, earning him recognition as a top-100 prospect in the class of 2010, including Parade Magazine All-American honors. He ranked No. 68 nationally and No. 3 among pro-style quarterbacks according to Rivals, while Scout rated him No. 43 overall nationally and No. 5 at his position. In-state, he was the No. 2 overall prospect in Michigan per 247Sports. Gardner participated in several high-profile pre-college events, including the quarterback camp, where Rivals national analyst Barry Every named him the top overall based on long-term potential. At combines and camps, he showcased impressive athleticism with a reported 4.57-second time from high school testing, highlighting his mobility as a dual-threat signal-caller. His arm strength was also praised for velocity and accuracy on deep throws during evaluations. These accolades drew scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs, including Michigan, Michigan State, and at least four others, with Michigan ultimately securing his commitment due to its proximity and prestige in the region.

Under Armour All-America Game

Gardner was selected to the 2010 Under Armour All-America Game roster as one of the nation's elite high school football prospects, earning a spot on the Black team alongside other top-ranked talents such as quarterbacks Phillip Sims and Nick Montana. The event, held on January 2 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, and broadcast on ESPN, provided a national stage for recruits to showcase their skills to college coaches and scouts. In the game, the Black team secured a decisive 32-7 victory over the White team, driven by strong defensive stands and opportunistic offense. Gardner contributed to the win by demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, including quickness and elusiveness on a designed run during his first drive, which highlighted his suitability for spread offenses like Michigan's zone-read scheme. He also connected on key passes, notably throwing an 11-yard pass to Darius White early in the fourth quarter, further emphasizing his arm strength and poise under pressure. The game served as a capstone to Gardner's high school career, allowing interactions with elite peers and exposure to college coaching staffs, including Michigan's, which reinforced his status as a top . His standout moments, particularly the touchdown throw and mobile plays, generated positive buzz among scouts and solidified his reputation heading into his college commitment.

College career

Commitment to Michigan

Devin Gardner, a highly touted from Inkster High School, verbally committed to the on April 3, 2009, selecting the Wolverines over offers from programs including , Notre Dame, , and LSU. His decision was influenced by several key factors, notably the proximity to his Detroit-area home, allowing his family—particularly his mother, Marlene Turner, who had supported his football journey—to attend games without extensive travel. Gardner emphasized this familial aspect, noting it would be "rude" to choose a distant school that limited their involvement. Additionally, 's prestigious football program under head coach appealed to him, as Rodriguez's spread-option offense aligned well with Gardner's athleticism and dual-threat skills, positioning him to compete despite an established quarterback room featuring and . On , February 3, 2010, Gardner officially signed his with , solidifying his commitment as the crown jewel of the Wolverines' 2010 recruiting class amid speculation from rival programs. The event drew attention due to ongoing negative recruiting tactics questioning Rodriguez's job security, but Gardner reaffirmed his dedication, highlighting the structured environment and competitive opportunities at . To accelerate his transition, Gardner enrolled early, beginning classes in January 2010 and participating in spring practices, which allowed him to adapt to college-level demands ahead of the season. Upon arrival, Gardner made positive initial impressions with his physical tools and , earning praise from coaches for his potential in Rodriguez's system. Rodriguez indicated that the would "probably not" redshirt, envisioning a role that leveraged his mobility and arm strength, though Gardner ultimately preserved his eligibility through limited play and a later medical hardship waiver.

2010 season

As a true in 2010, Devin Gardner enrolled early at the and served as a behind starter and in head coach Rich Rodriguez's . He appeared in three games, primarily gaining experience through practice reps while adapting to the college level's speed and complexity. Gardner's limited role focused on developing his dual-threat skills, though he saw minimal snaps until an opportunity arose due to injury. Gardner's collegiate debut came on September 25, 2010, against , where he entered after Robinson suffered a early in the first quarter. In that game, he completed 7 of 10 passes for 85 yards and one —a 30-yard strike to Junior Hemingway—while rushing six times for 25 yards and another score, contributing to Michigan's 65-21 victory. These were his only statistical contributions of the season, as he appeared briefly in two other games without recording further stats. Gardner's season ended prematurely due to a season-ending back injury sustained after those three appearances, leading to a medical hardship waiver that preserved his redshirt eligibility. This effectively treated the year as a redshirt, allowing him to return as a redshirt freshman in 2011 under new head coach Brady Hoke, who replaced Rodriguez following a 7-6 campaign. Despite the abbreviated role, the experience provided foundational reps in Michigan's high-tempo system.

2011 season

As a in 2011, Devin Gardner served primarily as the backup to for the , appearing in nine games and emerging as a versatile contributor in offensive packages, including the "deuce" formation that featured both quarterbacks in the backfield to create mismatches. This hybrid role allowed Gardner to gain experience in both passing and rushing situations, particularly as Robinson dealt with minor injuries during the season, providing Gardner with mid-season reps at quarterback. His development built on limited action as a true the prior year, where he had appeared in three games. Gardner's statistical output reflected his situational usage, with 11 completions on 23 attempts for 176 passing yards, one , and one , alongside 25 rushes for 53 yards and one ; his receiving production was negligible at one catch for two yards. These numbers underscored his role as a change-of-pace option rather than a primary ball-handler, emphasizing mobility and short-yardage plays in support of Michigan's run-heavy attack under new head coach . Key moments highlighted Gardner's potential, such as against Northwestern on October 8, where he rushed for a one-yard on a bootleg that helped Michigan rally to a 28-24 comeback win, and against Illinois on November 12, when he relieved Robinson and threw a 27-yard pass to Junior Hemingway that sealed a 31-14 victory. These performances demonstrated his poise under pressure and ability to execute in critical spots, contributing to the team's momentum. Under Hoke's first year, Michigan compiled an 11-2 overall record and 6-2 mark in Big Ten play, earning a No. 12 final AP ranking and a berth in the Allstate as Legends Division runners-up. Gardner traveled with the team to the January 3, 2012, matchup against in New Orleans, where the Wolverines fell 23-20 despite a strong defensive effort, marking the program's first major bowl appearance since 2007.

2012 season

In 2012, Devin Gardner transitioned from a hybrid wide receiver- role to the primary starter at for the following an injury to during the October 27 game against . Gardner started the final five games of the regular season and the Outback Bowl, helping lead Michigan to an overall 8-5 record and a second-place finish in the Big Ten Legends Division. His versatility from the previous season, where he saw action at multiple positions, provided crucial preparation for the increased responsibilities. Gardner's passing performance included 75 completions on 126 attempts for 1,219 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, achieving a 59.5% completion rate and a . He also contributed on the ground with 47 rushes for 101 yards and 7 touchdowns, while adding 16 receptions for 266 yards and 4 scores in his earlier duties. These efforts marked a significant step in his development as a dual-threat signal-caller, though the offense relied heavily on Robinson's earlier production. Key highlights included 's narrow 12-10 victory over rival Michigan State on October 20, where Gardner provided support in a multi-faceted role before fully taking over at . His first 300-yard passing game came on November 17 against , where he threw for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing for 37 yards and 3 scores, accounting for a Michigan-record-tying 6 total touchdowns in a 42-17 win. In the Outback Bowl loss to on January 1, 2013 (28-33), Gardner completed 18 of 36 passes for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns but struggled with consistency in a defensive battle.

2013 season

As a junior, Devin Gardner served as the unquestioned leader of Michigan's offense despite not being elected an official team captain, guiding the Wolverines through a challenging 7-6 season marked by significant struggles along the offensive line. The unit allowed 32 sacks on Gardner alone, contributing to inconsistent protection and a middling 3-5 record, as the team started strong with six wins in its first seven games before faltering in conference play. Gardner completed 208 of 345 passes for 2,960 yards with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while showcasing his dual-threat ability by rushing for 483 yards and 11 scores on 165 carries—numbers that highlighted his mobility but also the physical toll of the season. His dipped amid mounting injuries, including a turf issue that hampered his mobility and accuracy in the latter half of the year, leading to erratic outputs after a promising start that built on his late-2012 emergence. Standout moments included a career-high 451 passing yards on 32 completions against Ohio State in the regular-season finale, where he threw for four touchdowns in a narrow 42-41 loss despite the foot injury flaring up late. Earlier, he erupted for 503 passing yards and a school-record total offense of 584 in a 63-47 rout of , underscoring his big-play potential when healthy. These highs contrasted with lows like multiple interceptions in losses to Penn State and Michigan State, where offensive line breakdowns forced hurried decisions. The season culminated in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State, but Gardner sat out the 31-14 defeat due to his lingering foot , with freshman starting in his place. Reflecting afterward, Gardner described the year as a gritty but uneven effort that tested his resilience as a leader, emphasizing growth amid adversity and the need for better preparation moving forward.

2014 season

As a senior and team captain in 2014, Devin Gardner started all 12 games at for the , leading the team to a 5-7 record and missing a berth for the first time since 2007. Under second-year head coach , the offense faced continued challenges with protection and consistency, as Gardner was sacked 34 times while dealing with a sore and other minor ailments. Gardner completed 174 of 283 passes for 1,896 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, with a career-low 61.5% completion rate amid and receiver drops. He added 98 rushes for 258 yards and four touchdowns, maintaining his dual-threat presence despite reduced mobility. Notable performances included a 282-yard, two- effort in a 31-0 of Penn State on October 11 and season-high 369 passing yards in a 26-23 loss to Northwestern on November 22. The campaign ended with a 26-19 upset loss to Ohio State on November 29, where Gardner passed for 233 yards and a touchdown but threw two interceptions in rainy conditions. Despite the team's struggles (2-6 in Big Ten play), Gardner's leadership and resilience were praised, culminating in his selection as a Senior CLASS Award finalist for contributions in community, classroom, character, and competition. He graduated with a degree in and later earned a .

Career statistics and awards

Over his five-year collegiate career at the from 2010 to 2014, Devin Gardner appeared in 50 games, starting 24 at while also contributing at early on. As a dual-threat signal-caller, he demonstrated positional versatility, splitting time between and duties, where he recorded 18 receptions for 286 yards and four touchdowns. His passing totals include 475 completions on 787 attempts for 6,336 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions, ranking fourth in program history for career passing yards. On the ground, Gardner rushed 342 times for 916 yards and 24 touchdowns, adding a dynamic rushing element to Michigan's offense. Gardner's statistical legacy includes several program milestones, such as ranking fourth in career total offense with 7,252 yards and fourth in completions. He set a single-game record by accounting for six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in a 2012 victory over , highlighting his impact in high-stakes moments.
CategoryGames PlayedCompletions/AttemptsYardsTouchdownsInterceptions
Passing50475/7876,3364432
Rushing50342 carries91624-
Receiving5018 receptions2864-
Gardner earned several accolades during his tenure, including honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from the media in 2013 after leading the conference in total offense. He was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week twice in 2012 for standout performances against Northwestern and . In 2014, Gardner was a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, recognizing excellence in community, classroom, character, and competition, and he served as a team captain. Academically, he received Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors in 2013 and 2014.

Professional career

New England Patriots

After going undrafted in the , Gardner signed with the as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2015, transitioning from quarterback to to capitalize on his college versatility at both positions. His decision to play receiver professionally was bolstered by his performance at the 2015 East-West Shrine Game, where he showcased his athleticism despite dealing with leg issues during practices. The three-year rookie contract included a $5,000 and $15,000 in guarantees. Gardner's time with the Patriots was brief, as he was waived on May 18, 2015, just ten days after signing, prior to the team's organized team activities and training camp. During this short stint, he did not participate in any on-field practices or games, focusing instead on adapting to the professional level under the guidance of the Patriots' coaching staff. The organization viewed his multi-positional experience from Michigan—where he started 16 games at quarterback and appeared in 37 contests overall—as a potential asset for depth at wide receiver, though he remained behind established players like Tom Brady's primary targets. Following his release, Gardner entered , seeking opportunities to continue his aspirations as a receiver.

Pittsburgh Steelers

After being waived by the shortly after signing as an undrafted , Gardner was claimed off waivers by the on May 19, 2015. The Steelers, seeking versatility, initially positioned him as a but shifted him back to during organized team activities and minicamp to capitalize on his college experience at both spots. Gardner's opportunities were limited behind established starter and backups like and , relegating him primarily to scout team duties where he simulated opposing quarterbacks in practice. During the preseason, he received minimal reps as a receiver, logging 25 offensive snaps across games with two drops but no receptions. Facing stiff competition for roster spots amid the team's depth at skill positions, Gardner was waived by the Steelers on August 11, 2015, with an injured designation to accommodate the signing of kicker Garrett Hartley. He was subsequently released from injured reserve with an injury settlement on August 22, 2015, ending his brief stint with the organization.

Nojima Sagamihara Rise

In July 2016, Devin Gardner signed with the Nojima Sagamihara Rise of Japan's X-League, marking his entry into professional football abroad following stints on practice squads. As the starting , Gardner quickly adapted to his role, leveraging his dual-threat abilities from his college days at . His prior experience on practice squads with the and had prepared him for the physical and strategic demands of professional play overseas. In his rookie 2016 season, Gardner passed for 1,429 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 349 yards and six scores over six games, earning X-League Rookie of the Year honors. The Rise advanced to the playoffs that year, where Gardner contributed to a dominant 69-7 victory over the Creators in the Central Division third-place playoff game. The following year, Gardner elevated his performance, throwing for 1,286 yards and 16 touchdowns alongside 425 rushing yards in six games, which helped the team achieve a 4-2 regular-season record and secure a spot in the quarterfinals. For his efforts, he was named to the X-League First-Team All-Star as . Gardner's tenure in involved notable cultural adjustments, including practicing in the hot, humid summer conditions of central and exploring local customs during off weeks, such as traveling to landmarks and sampling traditional foods—though he admitted disliking natto. He also reconnected on the field with former teammate , who joined the Rise as a , helping to foster team chemistry under the league's allowance for up to four import players with two on the field at once. Gardner's two-year contract with the Rise concluded after the 2017 season, prompting his return to in pursuit of opportunities closer to home; in June 2018, he signed with the of the Canadian Football League.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Gardner signed with the of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on June 27, 2018, bringing international experience from two seasons as the starting for the Nojima Sagamihara Rise in Japan's X League. The signing came amid a quarterback shortage for the Roughriders, who at the time had only two active pivots, with Gardner slotted as the third-string option behind starter and backup Brandon Bridge. Throughout the 2018 season, Gardner remained on the depth chart primarily in a developmental and emergency backup capacity, dressing for four regular-season games without entering play. He recorded no passing, rushing, or receiving statistics during his time with the team, reflecting his limited role on a that finished with a 12-6 record and advanced to the Western Final. On August 15, 2018, the Roughriders released Gardner to accommodate the signing of veteran Canadian receiver Rob Bagg and other roster adjustments aimed at bolstering depth for the playoff push. The move came midway through the season, after which Gardner did not pursue further professional playing opportunities in the CFL or elsewhere, effectively retiring from competitive football at age 26.

Off-field life

Broadcasting career

Following the conclusion of his professional football career in 2018, Gardner began transitioning into sports , joining Bally Sports Detroit in September 2019 for coverage. In 2021, he made his national debut as a for , covering matchups and drawing on his experience as a former for detailed game analysis. Gardner expanded his roles with Bally Sports Detroit, where he hosted shows like Forward Progress and served as an analyst for games beginning in 2022, offering breakdowns of strategies and player performances. His contributions to regional sports coverage earned him four Michigan Emmy Awards for excellence in sports broadcasting between 2022 and 2025, including wins for Forward Progress in 2022 and The Gardner 5 in 2023. In 2024, he joined as an analyst and sideline reporter for the United Football League (UFL), a role he continued into the 2025 season, providing real-time updates and post-play analysis during games. Among his notable media appearances, Gardner co-hosts the podcast The Blue Print with former Michigan teammate Jake Butt, launched in August 2025, where they discuss Michigan football tactics, recruiting, and game previews. These platforms have allowed him to incorporate mentoring themes into segments on player development and life lessons from sports, tying his work to inspirational content for aspiring athletes.

Personal life

Following his retirement from professional football, Devin Gardner has continued to reside in the Detroit , where he maintains close family ties with his mother, Marlene Turner, and his two older brothers, and . Gardner's personal values, shaped by his Detroit upbringing, emphasize as a central pillar of his life, with active involvement in local church communities. In a 2021 interview, Gardner advocated for awareness, drawing from the intense pressures of his football career to highlight the importance of staying focused and seeking support amid personal challenges. As of 2025, there are no public details available regarding Gardner's or children.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Devin Gardner has been deeply committed to mentoring youth in since establishing the Young Go Getters program in 2019, which focuses on providing football clinics and workshops to help young athletes build resilience, focus, and . The initiative targets underserved kids in , drawing from Gardner's own experiences growing up in the city to offer guidance beyond sports, including sessions on goal-setting and overcoming challenges. Through these efforts, the program has impacted dozens of participants by emphasizing holistic growth rather than just athletic training. Gardner's philanthropy extends to partnerships with local charities supporting east-side Detroit communities, where he collaborates on initiatives to provide resources and support for families in need. These efforts include working with organizations like to facilitate community aid, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the neighborhoods that shaped him. His involvement underscores a broader commitment to east-side revitalization through targeted volunteer work and resource allocation. In 2025 interviews, Gardner expressed a profound passion for aiding underserved children, linking his motivations directly to his roots and the lack of paternal guidance he faced growing up. He described these programs as a means to "pay it forward," ensuring young people have mentors to navigate life's obstacles, much like the support he wished for in his youth. Gardner also advocates for mental health awareness using sports platforms, openly discussing personal struggles to destigmatize the issue among youth and athletes. By integrating these conversations into his mentoring and broadcasting roles, he encourages proactive approaches to well-being in Detroit's communities.

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