The Washington Redskins announced today they have signed linebacker Philippe Gardent from France, as part of the NFL International Development Practice Squad Program.
A veteran of the NFL Europe League, Gardent is one of eight players--from five countries--to earn a position on the practice squad rosters of teams from the AFC North and NFC East Divisions for the 2006 season.
Players selected to the program have all displayed outstanding potential and performance in NFL Europe. Gardent joins the Redskins following a record-setting season with the Cologne Centurions in which he became the first international player to earn a Most Valuable Player Award as he captured co-Defensive MVP honors after leading the league with 71 tackles.
Gardent, 6-1, 237 pounds, began his professional career with the Berlin Thunder in 2003. He won a World Bowl ring with the Thunder in 2004 before joining the Centurions in 2005. For his career, he amassed 94 tackles (64 solo), three sacks and two forced fumbles.
He played collegiate ball at NSC Marseille and played for the French champion Argonautes d'Aix en Provence in 2001 and 2002. Gardent played for Team Europe in the Global Junior Championship in 1999 and was voted the tournament's best linebacker. He was also named MVP of the French national team for a European Championship Game in 1998.
Gardent was born on March 24, 1979, in Colombes, France.
The NFL International Development Practice Squad Program is now in its third year. Participants attend training camp with their assigned NFL teams and become members of the practice squad following camp. Players are not eligible for the active roster at any time during the season. Participating teams are allowed a practice squad roster exemption.
