Jim Leonhard

Infobox NFLactive


name=Jim Leonhard
|width=
caption=
currentteam=Baltimore Ravens
currentnumber=36
currentpositionplain=Safety
birthdate=birth date and age|1982|10|27
birthplace=Ladysmith, Wisconsin
heightft=5
heightin=8
weight=185
debutyear=2005
debutteam=Buffalo Bills
college=Wisconsin
undraftedyear=2005
pastteams=
* Buffalo Bills (2005-2007)
* Baltimore Ravens (2008-present)
status=Active
highlights=
* No notable achievements
nfl=LEO708542

Jim Leonhard (born October 27, 1982 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin) is an American Football safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Wisconsin.

Early years

Leonhard played his high school football at Flambeau High School, in northern Wisconsin where he was the starting quarterback and free safety. During his freshman year in high school the Flambeau Falcons won the Wisconsin state championship in football.

College career

He was a walk-on at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, having received no Division 1-A scholarship offers, and was not awarded a scholarship until his senior year, despite the fact that he had been a regular starting safety for years by that time. He totaled 21 interceptions, which tied Jamar Fletcher for the most in school history. He also made 281 tackles, 21st in team history. He was regarded as one of the best punt returners in the league and held the Big Ten Conference career punt return yardage record with 1,347 yards until Michigan's Steve Breaston eclipsed his mark in 2006. Noted for his small size (5'8" and 190 pounds) Leonhard was recently re-signed to the Buffalo Bills when they placed fellow Wisconsin alumnus Troy Vincent on the injured reserve list.Jim was a great basketball player until he started with football in Wisconsin. The next year, he was an All-American and the team's MVP.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

Leonhard was the only member of the Bills opening day 53-man roster to be undrafted in 2005.

In the 2007 season, Leonhard stepped in for injured starter Ko Simpson and recorded 13 tackles on opening day against the Denver Broncos. He would go on to record 51 tackles for the team despite being hampered by a calf injury half-way through the season. He was the team's sixth leading tackler. He also recorded 32 yards on two kickoff returns and 36 yards on 4 punt returns.

Baltimore Ravens

On April 29, 2008, Leonhard signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

External links

* [http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Active/Jim_Leonhard.aspx Baltimore Ravens bio]