Dave Leggett facts for kids
Leggett on a 1955 Bowman football card
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| No. 7 | |||||||||
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| Position: | Quarterback | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | September 18, 1933 New Philadelphia, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Died: | March 26, 2013 (aged 79) Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 198 lb (90 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | New Philadelphia (OH) | ||||||||
| College: | Ohio State | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1955 / Round: 7 / Pick: 74 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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William David Leggett (born September 18, 1933 – died March 26, 2013) was a talented American football player. He was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Leggett is best known for his amazing college career at Ohio State University.
He played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1952 to 1954. In 1954, he led his team to a perfect season. They won all 10 of their games! This amazing record earned them a spot in the famous Rose Bowl.
Rose Bowl Champion
In the 1955 Rose Bowl, Leggett's Ohio State team played against the USC Trojans. Ohio State won the game, and Leggett was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). This was a huge honor for him and his team.
Leggett was also a key player in the 1954 team that won the National Championship. He earned a "letter" from coach Woody Hayes for his play in 1952, 1953, and 1954.
The Famous Michigan Game
One of Leggett's most famous plays happened in the 1954 game against the Michigan Wolverines. This game was super important because Ohio State's perfect season was on the line. The score was tied 7–7 in the fourth quarter.
Michigan had the ball very close to Ohio State's goal line. It was fourth down, and they decided to try and score. Michigan tried a tricky play, pitching the ball to a runner. Leggett, who was also a great safety on defense, was the last player between the runner and the end zone.
As the Michigan player leaped towards the goal line, Leggett bravely tackled him low. He stopped the runner just short of the end zone! This incredible defensive play saved the game. After that, Leggett led the Buckeyes on a long drive down the field. They scored the winning touchdown, keeping their undefeated season alive.
After College Football
After graduating from Ohio State in 1955, Leggett briefly played for the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL. He was drafted by them in the 7th round of the 1955 NFL Draft.
Soon after, he joined the military. He served two years in the Air Force. Later, he played football in the Canadian Football League. He rejoined the Air Force for a time, even serving three years in Germany.
After his military service, Leggett worked in the investment and financial planning business. He passed away on March 26, 2013, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a long illness.
