Charles Leno Jr.

Charles Leno Jr., born on October 9, 1991, made a name for himself in the world of American professional football as a highly skilled offensive tackle. Notably, he became a free agent within the industry. Leno’s football career began in earnest during his college life, contributing significantly to the Boise State Broncos. This experience laid the groundwork for his selection by the Chicago Bears during the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft.

This young talent made his mark on the Bears by dedicating seven years as a starter for the team. His time there was rewarded by a spot at the 2019 Pro Bowl. Having earned his stripes with the Bears, he then made the move to the Washington Football Team, now known as the Commanders, for an additional three seasons.

Leno’s early life, however, took root in San Leandro, California, where he attended high school. His natural athletic ability got him involved in football and basketball, successfully earning three varsity letters in each sport. During his senior year, he was recognized as a first-team all-conference as an offensive tackle and second-team all-conference as a defensive end. The recruit ranking website, Rivals.com, recognized his skill, awarding him a three-star recruit status.

His prowess led him to Boise State University. From 2009 to 2013, as a part of the Boise State Broncos football team, he experienced an impressive run of 39 consecutive starts as an offensive tackle – the final 26 being as left tackle. His hard work was rewarded with All-Mountain West Conference honors on two occasions: once as a junior with a second-team selection and as a senior with a first-team selection.

Entering the professional arena, Leno was picked by the Chicago Bears during the 2014 NFL draft’s seventh round, specifically, the 246th overall. His rookie year spent primarily as a backup set the stage for a promotion to a full-time starting left tackle in the 2015 season’s fourth week.

Leno’s escalating career with the Bears was further bolstered on August 23, 2017, when he inked a four-year contract extension valued at $38 million. His excellent performance throughout the 2018 season won him a spot in the Pro Bowl, making him the first Bears offensive tackle to have such an honor since James O. Williams in 2001.

A career highlight came to an end on May 3, 2021, when Leno was released from the Bears after the team chose newcomer Teven Jenkins in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. On May 15 of the same year, Leno signed a one-year contract with the Washington Football Team. He started every game of the 2021 season and was rewarded with a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension on January 5, 2022.

An unexpected turn of events came to the fore on December 30, 2023, when sturdy Leno was placed on injured reserve following a calf injury. Not long afterward, on March 1, 2024, the Commanders decided to release him.

Away from the pitch, a romantic highlight lit up Leno’s life on December 16, 2018. After the Bears’ triumphant win of the NFC North division title against the Green Bay Packers, he proposed to his girlfriend, Jennifer Roth, at midfield. The couple, blessed with three daughters, faced a personal tragedy when they lost their fourth child due to a miscarriage in October 2023.