Rodney McLeod

BIOGRAPHY

Born on June 23, 1990, Rodney McLeod Jr. stands tall as a prominent American professional safety footballer. Born in Maryland, McLeod attended DeMatha Catholic High School where he became the star of their school’s football team. As a gifted athlete, he ranked as a three-star football recruit by 247Sports.com, ultimately making the decision to play college football at the University of Virginia, turning down offers from Syracuse and Virginia Tech. Over the course of his college football career, McLeod proved to be an exceptional athlete with a total of 190 tackles, six interceptions, a sack, seventeen pass deflections, and three forced fumbles to his name.

Deemed ready to make his mark in professional football, McLeod signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012. During training camp, he had to compete for a roster spot against Matt Daniels and Quinton Pointer, but his rapid progress and superb athletic performance won him the spot and subsequently made him one of the most recognized backups in the league. Shortly after, he made his professional regular season debut at a match against the Detroit Lions. Despite their loss, McLeod put up an admirable performance by recording two solo tackles.

In 2013, the tables turned for McLeod when Quintin Mikell was released and Craig Dahl departed in free agency. Head coach Jeff Fisher placed his faith in McLeod as the starting strong safety. McLeod made his first career start against the Arizona Cardinals, and during his first season as a starter, he finished with 79 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions. A series of following games saw McLeod making exceptional tackles and interceptions, positioning himself as a key player essential for the team’s victories.

In 2014, McLeod became a restricted free agent upon completing his three-year rookie contract. The St. Louis Rams, satisfied with his performance, placed a second round tender offer on him which amounted to a one-year contract worth $2.35 million. Through this, McLeod further solidified his position in the team and was retained by head coach Jeff Fisher as a starting safety. He ended his last season with the Rams recording 82 combined tackles, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and an interception.

McLeod’s professional journey reached new heights when he became an unrestricted free agent in 2015. After considering offers from the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, McLeod chose the Eagles, signing a five-year contract with them for $35 million. This deal officially made McLeod the fourth highest-paid safety in the NFL. He became an instrumental part of the Eagles’ success, not only by recording exceptional tackle numbers but also by helping the team win Super Bowl LII in 2018.

Unfortunately, in 2018, McLeod was placed on injured reserve due to a torn MCL injury. However, he bounced back in the 2019 season with a strong performance, which prompted the Eagles to sign a two-year contract with him in 2020. He sustained a torn ACL injury in the same year, but his return in 2021 proved successful.

McLeod took a significant leap in his career when he signed with the Colts, a well-renowned team in the NFL, in early 2022. Furthermore, he had a prolific season with the Colts, recording a career-high 96 tackles, defending eight passes, and intercepting 2. In recognition of his performance with the Colts, the Cleveland Browns signed McLeod in May of 2023. Despite suffering a torn biceps mid-season that put him on an injured reserve, the Browns chose to have him back and extended his contract in 2024.

In addition to his football career, McLeod has been a generous philanthropist. Utilizing his fame and resources, he and his wife Erika launched the Change Our Future charity in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. They host their annual charity event called the Sneaker Ball, which aims to improve the living conditions of the underprivileged members of society.

McLeod’s journey, which started as a high school star in Maryland and evolved into becoming a crucial player in the NFL, is a testament to his indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence. His contributions to football and society overall have etched his name in the annals of sports history. An underdog, a champion, and a philanthropist, Rodney McLeod Jr. embodies the spirit of football – both on and off the field. The journey may have been challenging, but he continues to prove that he can rise to the occasion and make a difference in the world of football and beyond.