Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd's Biography

Leonard Cornilus Floyd, born September 8, 1992, has been living a life dedicated to football. An American professional football player, Floyd has achieved remarkable heights as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). His NHL journey is currently anchored in the San Francisco 49ers, although his experience ranges through several prestigious teams including the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, and the Buffalo Bills.

Floyd’s early life was characterized by passion and commitment to football and this was evident in his time at Dodge County High School, Eastman, Georgia. He not only played football but also participated in athletics, specifically track & field. However, it was the combination of his height and strength that positioned him as an impressive defensive end and tight end on the football field. His passion led him to the University of Georgia in April 2011 to pursue a college football career.

Floyd didn’t just excel in football, he also proved to be a competitive thrower in track & field. He secured victory in the shot put event during the 2011 Region 3AA Meet, registering a record throw of 14.96 meters.

Floyd’s college career was nothing short of exceptional. He started eight of 13 games as a true freshman in 2013, finishing the season with 55 tackles and a team-leading 6.5 sacks. Another noteworthy performance was recorded in a game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Floyd executed an epic comeback after he recovered running back Jalen Hurd’s fumble and ran it back 96 yards for a touchdown. He finished his junior year strong, which led him to the decision to embark on a professional career in the 2016 NFL draft.

Leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft, Floyd was invited to the NFL combine as a top prospect. Despite enduring a hamstring injury during the drills, he displayed remarkable perseverance, finishing most of the drills. Prior to his pro day, Floyd worked on adding some weight to his frame to ease concerns about his thin physique. Despite a pectoral injury, he performed well in positional drills, the short shuttle, three-cone drill, and vertical jump. His determination and hard work paid off as he was picked by the Chicago Bears in the first round, ninth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Floyd proved his worth as a professional player during his time with the Bears. His career set off on a solid start, ensuring that he was the team’s choice for the starting outside linebacker for the season. His engagement was so impactful that he racked up an incredible 7.0 sacks, placing him third among all rookies. This glittering performance saw him named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Throughout his career, Floyd had his fair share of injuries, yet his dedication and tenacity saw him bounce back strongly. One significant setback was a leg injury he sustained after colliding with teammate Kyle Fuller. However, Floyd didn’t let these challenges deter him. He bounced back strong, finishing the season with 49 tackles, four sacks, and a pick six.

After a successful spell at the Bears, he was picked by the Los Angeles Rams in April 2020 to continue his glittering career. His time with the Rams unsurprisingly saw him maintain his excess performance, getting his first sack as a Ram on Dak Prescott during a win against the Dallas Cowboys. This career-high season saw him finish with an impressive 10.5 sacks, earning him a $1.25 million bonus.

Floyd’s exceptional performance as a Ram sewed seeds of doubt when he was released by the team in March 2021. Nonetheless, the Buffalo Bills saw potential in him, and gave him another chance to shine on June 5, 2023. He continued to demonstrate why he’s a valuable asset by finishing the season with 10.5 sacks and 32 total tackles.

In his relentless pursuit of greatness, Floyd joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. As a seasoned professional, he has continued to hit records and make his mark in the NFL realm, contributing to the teams’ performance and ultimately, the sport’s growth and popularity. The legacy of Leonard Floyd is indisputable, and he continues to inspire young and aspiring players to chase their dreams and reach their potential in football.