Jim Leonhard

James Andrew Leonhard (born October 27, 1982) is the defensive coordinator of the Wisconsin Badgers football team. He is a former American football safety who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

For the Philadelphia Eagles running back of the 1930s, see Jim Leonard. For people with a similar name, see Jim Leonard (disambiguation).
Jim Leonhard
Leonhard with the Broncos in 2012
Wisconsin Badgers
Position:Defensive coordinator
Personal information
Born: (1982-10-27) October 27, 1982
Ladysmith, Wisconsin
Height:5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight:188 lb (85 kg)
Career information
High school:Tony (WI) Flambeau
College:Wisconsin
Undrafted:2005
Career history
As player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As coach:
  • Wisconsin (2016)
    Defensive backs coach
  • Wisconsin (2017–present)
    Defensive coordinator & defensive backs coach
Career highlights and awards
  • 3× All-American (2002, 2003, 2004)
  • 3× First Team All-Big Ten (2002-2004)
  • CNN/SI All-American (2002)
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:429
Quarterback sacks:4.5
Pass deflections:36
Interceptions:14
Forced fumbles:2
Total Return yards:1,277
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Leonhard was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005 after playing college football at the University of Wisconsin. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns.

High school

Leonhard played high school football at Flambeau High School in Tony, Wisconsin where he was the starting quarterback and strong safety. During his freshman year, 1997, the Flambeau Falcons won the Wisconsin state championship in football in division six over River Ridge high school. He was a team captain in his junior and senior seasons, the same seasons in which he was a first team All-State performer. He was also named team MVP in his senior year.

College career

Leonhard was a walk-on football player at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, having received no Division I-A scholarship offers out of high school. He was not awarded a scholarship until his senior year, despite the fact that he had been a regular starting safety before that season and had already been named All-Big Ten twice. Noted for his speed, leaping ability, and sure tackling, he totaled 21 interceptions (tied with Jamar Fletcher for the most in school history) and made 281 tackles. He held the Big Ten Conference career punt return yardage record with 1,347 yards until Michigan's Steve Breaston eclipsed his mark in 2006.

Professional career
Leonhard with the Ravens.

Buffalo Bills

Leonhard was the only undrafted rookie on the 53-man opening day roster for the 2005 Bills. He played in 10 games, finishing with 1 kick return for 36 yards.

He was released during the 2006 preseason; however, he was signed 11 days later following an injury to Wisconsin alumnus Troy Vincent. He finished the 2006 season with 13 tackles and 1 fumble recovery while making his first career start on December 10.

In 2007, Leonhard stepped in for injured starter Ko Simpson and recorded 13 tackles on opening day against the Denver Broncos. He went on to record 54 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery, despite being hampered by a calf injury halfway through the season.

Baltimore Ravens

In 2008, Leonhard signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he started in 13 of 16 regular season games, replacing the injured Dawan Landry. He set career-high marks with 68 tackles and one sack to go along with one interception, which he returned for a TD against the Cincinnati Bengals.[1]

New York Jets
Leonhard with the Jets

In 2009, Leonhard signed with the New York Jets, reuniting him with former Ravens defensive coordinator and later New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan.[2] Terms were $6 million for 3 years with $1 million guaranteed.[3]

While with the New York Jets.

During the 2009 year, Leonhard started all 16 games making 66 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 6 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble. His efforts led to the Jets going to the play-offs but eventually losing to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game.

On December 3, 2010, Leonhard suffered a fractured tibia after a collision with wide receiver Patrick Turner during practice. He underwent surgery the same night and was ruled out for the rest of the 2010 season. Leonhard played 11 games in 2010 making 56 tackles, 1 interception, 4 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. The Jets would go to the play-offs again but lose the AFC Championship to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 11, 2011, Leonhard landed awkwardly after catching an interception thrown by Tyler Palko. Leonhard was carried off the field by a medical cart. A few days later, an MRI revealed that there was a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. As a result, Leonhard was eliminated for the rest of the 2011 season.[4] Leonhard played 13 games in 2011 making 48 tackles, 1 interception, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

Denver Broncos

In August 2012, Leonhard agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos.[5] During the 2012 season with the Broncos, Leonhard made 17 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery in 16 games (1 start).

New Orleans Saints

In April 2013, Leonhard signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.[6] He was released before the season.[7]

Second stint with the Buffalo Bills

Leonhard signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills in September 2013, returning him to the club where he started his professional career.[8] During his first season back with Buffalo in 2013, Leonhard made 41 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 5 passes defended in 16 games (6 starts).

Cleveland Browns

In 2014, Leonhard joined the Cleveland Browns. He made 27 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and 3 passes defensed.[9] He retired following the season.[10]

NFL statistics
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GGSCombTotalAstSackFFFRYdsIntYdsAvgLngTDPD
2005BUF 10005140.0000000000
2006BUF 1501131120.0010000000
2007BUF 13065444100.0000260303603
2008BAL 16136955141.0010135353516
2009NYJ 16167653232.5100144444405
2010NYJ 1111615740.011-1122204
2011NYJ 13134838100.0113100006
2012DEN 16011813050.0010200002
2013BUF 16074130110.0000472184106
2014CLE 16054327161.0000234173403
Career14273428329994.53521424717.644135

[11]

Coaching

In February 2016, Leonhard joined Paul Chryst's staff at his alma mater as defensive backs coach.[12][13] In his year off between retiring from the NFL and being named DB coach for the Badgers Leonhard spent his time studying college film with then-Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda and familiarizing himself with schemes that exist in college football that aren't prevalent in the NFL, such as the zone-read option offense. Prior to UW DB coach Daronte Jones leaving UW for an assistant coaching position with the Dolphins, Leonhard had been asking Paul Chryst about joining the Badgers staff.[14]

In February 2017, Leonhard was named the new defensive coordinator of the Badgers, replacing Justin Wilcox who became the new head coach of California.[15] In late November 2017 Leonhard was named one of five finalists for the Broyles Award which recognized the top assistant coach in college football.[16]

References
  1. "Clayton's Two TDs Helps Ravens Cruise Past Bengals". Associated Press. 2008-11-30. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
  2. "Twofer: Leonhard Signs, Richardson Re-Ups". New York Jets. 2009-03-03. Archived from the original on September 2, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-13.
  3. Boland, Erik (2009-03-04). "Jets' Leonhard: From College Walk-on to Big Bucks". Newsday. Retrieved 2009-09-13.
  4. Armstrong, Kevin (July 19, 2012). "NY Jets will let safety and Rex Ryan favorite Jim Leonhard go after back-to-back major knee injuries". The New York Daily News. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  5. Wilson, Ryan (August 4, 2012). "Broncos, S Jim Leonhard agree to terms on 1-year deal". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  6. Holder, Larry. (April 8, 2013). "New Orleans Saints sign veteran safety Jim Leonhard to one-year deal". Times-Picayune. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  7. Florio, Mike (31 August 2013). "Saints part ways with Courtney Roby, Jim Leonhard". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  8. Rodak, Mike (2 September 2013). "Bills sign safety Jim Leonhard". ESPN. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  9. "Jim Leonhard signs with Browns". Z100 Radio. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  10. Kevin Jones (December 26, 2014). "Jim Leonhard set to retire after Sunday's game against Baltimore". www.clevelandbrowns.com. Cleveland Browns. Archived from the original on December 25, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  11. "Jim Leonhard Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  12. Potrykus, Jeff Former UW safety Jim Leonhard to coach Badgers' secondary Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. February 20, 2016
  13. Lucas, Mike All in the Family: Leonhard back with Badgers University of Wisconsin. February 20, 2016
  14. Galloway, Jason Badgers football: UW's defensive backs buy into Jim Leonhard’s NFL experience Wisconsin State Journal. March 22, 2016
  15. Adam Silverstein (February 2, 2017). "Jim Leonhard promoted to Wisconsin DC two years after retiring from NFL". www.cbssports.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  16. "Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard a finalist for top assistant award". USA Today. Associated Press. November 27, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
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