Leigh Bodden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Leigh Bodden

Bodden with the New England Patriots in 2009
No. 28, 23
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1981-09-24) September 24, 1981 (age 43) Hyattsville, Maryland, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	193 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:	Northwestern (Hyattsville, Maryland)
College:	Duquesne
Undrafted:	2003
Career history
Cleveland Browns (2003–2007) Detroit Lions (2008) New England Patriots (2009–2011)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 367 Forced fumbles: 7 Fumble recoveries: 7 Pass deflections: 83 Interceptions: 18 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Leigh Edmond Bodden, born on September 24, 1981, is a former American professional football player. He played as a cornerback, a defensive position in football. Bodden started his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2003. He also played for the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots.

Early Life and High School Football

Leigh Bodden grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland. He went to Northwestern High School in his hometown. In his last year of high school football in 1998, Bodden helped his team, the Wildcats, achieve a great record of 10 wins and 2 losses.

College Football Success

Bodden played college football at Duquesne University. He became a star player there, setting many records for interceptions. In his senior year in 2002, he caught seven passes from opposing teams. In one game against Iona College, he made three interceptions, which tied a school record.

Duquesne's defense was very strong that year. It was ranked number one in its division for overall defense and scoring defense. Bodden was also a talented athlete outside of football. In 2002, he won the long jump championship in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

During his time at Duquesne, Bodden earned many awards. He was named an All-American player in 2002. He was also the Defensive Player of the Year for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Football League. Overall, he had 28 interceptions in his college career, which was one of the highest numbers in the nation at that time.

Professional Football Career

Playing for the Cleveland Browns

Even though Bodden had a fantastic college career, he was not chosen by any team in the 2003 NFL Draft. However, the Cleveland Browns signed him as an undrafted free agent. He made the team's main roster and played in 13 games in his first year. He helped the team on special teams and as a nickel cornerback. He got his first NFL interception against the Arizona Cardinals.

In 2004, Bodden continued to be a key player on special teams. He led the team in special tackles. His season ended early due to a shoulder and biceps injury. He was placed on injured reserve, meaning he couldn't play for the rest of the year.

The 2005 season was a big year for Bodden. He became a starting cornerback for the Browns. He played well, even though he missed some games due to injuries. He made important plays, including interceptions and forced fumbles, in games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston, Miami, and Oakland. His strong performance led the Browns to give him a four-year contract extension. In 2006, Bodden dealt with more injuries and played in nine games, making two interceptions.

In 2007, Bodden started all 16 games for the Browns. He had a career-high six interceptions that season. He also made 88 tackles, which was his best number ever.

Time with the Detroit Lions

On February 29, 2008, Bodden was traded to the Detroit Lions. He started all 16 games for the Lions in the 2008 season. During that year, he recorded 73 tackles and one interception. The Lions released him from their team in February 2009.

Joining the New England Patriots

Bodden signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots on March 11, 2009. He played in 15 games for the Patriots that year, starting 14 of them. In a game against the New York Jets, Bodden had an amazing performance. He intercepted the Jets' quarterback three times, even returning one for a 56-yard touchdown. He finished the 2009 season with a team-high five interceptions. He also had 55 tackles and 18 passes defended.

After his great 2009 season, the Patriots wanted to keep Bodden. They signed him to a new four-year contract worth $22 million. However, Bodden suffered a shoulder injury in August 2010. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the entire 2010 NFL season. He was released by the Patriots in October 2011 and then retired from playing football.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Political Career After Football

After his football career, Leigh Bodden became involved in politics. In 2022, he ran for the position of Prince George's County Executive in Maryland. This is a top leadership role for the county. He ran in the Democratic primary election but did not win against the person who was already in office, Angela Alsobrooks.