FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona senior tight end Beau Gardner fulfilled the first step in his dream of playing in the National Football League when he signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Gardner had a solid final season with the Lumberjacks. The Mesa native caught 28 passes for 412 yards and five touchdowns. Gardner's stellar play on the field garnered him All-Big Sky Second Team honors.

This is the second straight year a Lumberjack has signed with an NFL team right after the draft. Last season, running back Zach Bauman signed with the Arizona Cardinals, occupying a roster spot with the in-state team a good part of the season. Former NAU punter/kicker Andy Wilder signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs in March.