David McLeod facts for kids
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| Position: | Wide receiver / defensive back | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | August 15, 1971 Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 180 lb (82 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Highland Springs (Highland Springs, Virginia) |
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| College: | James Madison (1990–1993) | ||||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1994 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
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| Career Arena statistics | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |||||||||||
David Leroy McLeod (born August 15, 1971) is a former American football player. He played for seven seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL). He was a star player for teams like the Albany Firebirds and Tampa Bay Storm. McLeod also played college football at James Madison University. In 1996, he won the first-ever AFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Contents
Early Life and High School Football
David McLeod was born on August 15, 1971. His hometown is Richmond, Virginia. He went to Highland Springs High School in Highland Springs, Virginia.
College Football Career
McLeod played football for the James Madison Dukes. He was a wide receiver from 1990 to 1993. A "letterman" means he played for the team for four years.
In 1993, his senior year, he set a school record. He gained 1,207 receiving yards in one season. This earned him first-team All-American honors. He also set a record for most receiving yards in a single game (192 yards).
By the end of his college career, McLeod was a top player. He held school records for:
- Most receptions (158)
- Most receiving yards (2,899)
- Most receiving touchdowns (21)
In 2020, David McLeod was honored. He was inducted into the JMU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Professional Football Journey
After college, David McLeod tried to join the NFL. He was not chosen in the 1994 NFL draft. This means he was "undrafted." However, he still got a chance to play.
NFL Teams
In April 1994, McLeod signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He played as a wide receiver. Later, he joined the New York Jets. He was with these teams for a short time.
Arena Football League (AFL) Success
McLeod found his stride in the Arena Football League (AFL). The AFL played under "ironman rules." This meant players often played both offense and defense. McLeod was a wide receiver and a defensive back.
Albany Firebirds (1995–1997)
McLeod joined the Albany Firebirds in 1995. In his first year, he caught 21 passes for 378 yards. He scored nine touchdowns. He also made 16 solo tackles and had three interceptions.
The 1996 season was amazing for McLeod. He played in all 14 games. He caught 35 passes for 761 yards and 16 touchdowns. On defense, he had 67 solo tackles. He also made 11 interceptions. His 11 interceptions tied an AFL record at the time.
For his great performance, he received two big awards:
- He was named second-team All-Arena.
- He became the first-ever AFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Firebirds had a good year, finishing 10–4.
Grand Rapids Rampage (1998–1999)
In 1997, McLeod was chosen by the Grand Rapids Rampage in a special draft. He was injured in 1998 and did not play any games.
He returned in 1999, playing 12 games. He caught 45 passes for 526 yards. He scored 13 touchdowns. He also made 24 solo tackles.
Carolina Cobras (2000–2001)
McLeod then played for the Carolina Cobras in 2000. He played nine games. He caught 32 passes for 430 yards and ten touchdowns. He also had 26 solo tackles. In 2001, he played six games, catching 24 passes for 249 yards and five touchdowns.
Tampa Bay Storm (2002)
In 2002, McLeod played for the Tampa Bay Storm. He started two games. He caught nine passes for 97 yards and one touchdown. He also made tackles on defense. After this season, he became a free agent.
