Overview
- Gardner told reporters on Thursday that his birthdate is Aug. 31, 2001, and he repeatedly said he is 24 years old.
- He cited his passport and driver’s license and the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL confirmed those official records show 2001.
- Numerous high-profile sites and products, including ESPN, Pro Football Reference, Wikipedia and EA Sports’ Madden, had listed 2000 and have begun or completed corrections.
- Reporting found the NFL Record and Fact Book carried the wrong year as far back as his 2022 rookie entry, illustrating how a single official source can cascade into public databases.
- The episode highlights gaps in public data verification and matters because a one-year age difference can affect player evaluation, roster planning and contract considerations.