Jeff Leiding facts for kids
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| No. 60, 92 | |
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| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 28, 1961 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died: | July 13, 2014 (aged 52) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | 232 lb (105 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Tulsa (OK) Union |
| College: | Texas |
| NFL Draft: | 1984 / Round: 5 / Pick: 129 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
Jeffrey James Leiding (born October 28, 1961 – died July 13, 2014) was an American football player. He played as a linebacker in two professional leagues. These were the United States Football League (USFL) and the National Football League (NFL).
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Who Was Jeff Leiding?
Jeff Leiding was a talented football player. He was known for his strong play as a linebacker. This position is important for stopping the other team. Leiding played for several teams during his career. He was a popular player in both college and professional football.
Early Life and High School Football
Jeff Leiding was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up there and started playing football early. He was a great player at Hickman Mills High School. He played there during his sophomore and junior years.
Before his senior year, his family moved. His father got a new job in Tulsa, Oklahoma. So, Jeff finished high school at Union High School. He continued to be a top player there.
College Football Star
After high school, Jeff chose to play college football for the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns are a very famous college team. Jeff became a star player for them.
In his senior year, 1983, he was named a consensus All-American. This means that many different groups agreed he was one of the best college players in the country. He was also a first-team All-SWC player that year. This showed he was one of the best in his college league.
Playing in the Pros
After his great college career, Jeff hoped to play professional football. He was chosen by an NFL team. He also played in another professional league.
USFL Career
In 1984, the St. Louis Cardinals picked Jeff in the fifth round of the 1984 NFL Draft. This is when NFL teams choose new players. However, he did not make the team that year.
Instead, he played in the United States Football League (USFL). He joined the San Antonio Gunslingers for the 1985 season. The USFL was a different professional football league at the time.
NFL Career
In 1986, Jeff joined the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He played in 12 games for them that year.
In 1987, there was a strike by NFL players. This meant many regular players did not play. Jeff rejoined the Colts as a replacement player during this time. After the strike ended, the Colts kept him on the team. He played in nine games total for the 1987 season.
Remembering Jeff Leiding
Jeff Leiding passed away on July 13, 2014. He was 52 years old. He died from a heart attack. He is remembered for his strong play and dedication to football.
