Leodis McKelvin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Leodis McKelvin

McKelvin with the Bills in 2015
No. 28, 21
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1985-09-04) September 4, 1985 (age 39) Waycross, Georgia, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school:	Ware County (Waycross, Georgia)
College:	Troy (2004–2007)
NFL Draft:	2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2008–2015) Philadelphia Eagles (2016)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Pro (2008) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2008) First-team All-American (2007) 3× All-Sun Belt (2005–2007) Second-team All-Sun Belt (2004)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 360 Forced fumbles: 4 Interceptions: 15 Pass deflections: 80 Total return yards: 3,492 Total touchdowns: 6
Player stats at PFR

Leodis Anquan McKelvin (born September 4, 1985) is a former American football player. He played as a cornerback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). McKelvin played college football for the Troy Trojans. He was recognized as a first-team All-American in 2007. The Buffalo Bills chose him in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Football

Leodis McKelvin grew up in Waycross, Georgia. He went to Ware County High School, where he played football for the Ware County Gators. He was a talented cornerback.

High School Achievements

As a junior, Leodis made 60 tackles and caught six interceptions. He also returned the ball for over 300 yards. In his senior year, he continued to shine. He had 51 tackles and six interceptions. He helped his team achieve a 9–2 record and win a regional title in 2003. He was named the best defensive player in his area.

College Recruitment

Many experts didn't rank McKelvin as a top player for college. He received only a few offers for scholarships. He chose to play for Troy University in January 2004.

College Football Career

McKelvin played for the Troy Trojans football team from 2004 to 2007. He quickly showed his skills as a return man.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

In his first year, McKelvin played in all 12 games. He was a return specialist and a backup in the defense. He averaged 11.7 yards per punt return and 21.9 yards per kickoff return. In his second year, he was named first-team All-Sun Belt Conference for his return skills. He averaged 25.8 yards per kickoff return and 12.6 yards per punt return. As a cornerback, he made 30 tackles and broke up five passes.

Junior and Senior Years

His junior year was his first as a regular starting cornerback. He made 66 tackles and started all 13 games. He also forced two fumbles. In his senior year, he returned three punts for touchdowns. He was named All-Sun Belt in both his junior and senior years.

Professional Football Career

Before the NFL Draft

Before the draft, experts compared McKelvin to other talented players. He showed his athletic abilities at the NFL Combine.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills picked Leodis McKelvin as the 11th overall player in the 2008 NFL draft. He was the first cornerback chosen that year.

2008 Season: Rookie Impact

In July 2008, McKelvin signed a five-year contract with the Bills. He quickly made an impression with his kick returning. He returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game. He started his first regular season game on November 9. On November 17, he returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown on Monday Night Football. The next week, he intercepted the ball twice against the Kansas City Chiefs. One of these was a 64-yard touchdown return. He finished his first season with 32 tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2009 Season: Challenges and Injury

McKelvin became a starting cornerback in 2009. In the first game of the season, he fumbled a kickoff return late in the game. This led to the New England Patriots scoring the winning touchdown. McKelvin later suffered a broken fibula on September 27. This injury ended his season early. He played in three games, making 11 tackles.

2010 Season: Return to Play

McKelvin returned in 2010 as the third cornerback. He played in all 16 regular season games. He made his first start of the season on September 26. On December 5, he got his first interception of the season. He also had a second interception the following week. He finished the season with 62 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

2011 Season: Punt Return Touchdown

The Bills started the 2011 season with a 3–0 record. McKelvin had one interception and six tackles in a win against the New England Patriots. He later took on punt return duties. On December 24, 2011, he returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown against the Denver Broncos. He ended the season with 39 tackles and one interception.

2012 Season: Special Teams Star

In 2012, McKelvin continued to handle punt and kick returns. On September 16, he returned a punt for an 88-yard touchdown. The next week, he got his first interception of the season. On November 15, he returned another punt for a 79-yard touchdown. For this amazing play, he was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished the season with 21 tackles and one interception.

2013 Season: New Contract

On March 9, 2013, McKelvin signed a new four-year contract with the Bills. He started the season as a cornerback and punt returner. He had a career-high ten tackles in a game against the Atlanta Falcons. He also intercepted one pass during the season. He finished with 60 tackles and 19 deflected passes in 15 games.

2014 Season: Injury Setback

McKelvin started the 2014 season strong with 13 tackles and a forced fumble. He made his first interception of the season the following week. On October 19, he intercepted two passes in a game. However, on November 13, he suffered a broken ankle. This injury required surgery and ended his season. He finished with 48 tackles and a career-high four interceptions in ten games.

2015 Season: Final Year with Bills

McKelvin faced a setback in his recovery from the ankle injury. He was placed on a special injury list and missed the first six weeks of the 2015 season. He returned to play on November 7. On December 13, he made his first interception of the season. He finished his last season with the Bills with 32 tackles and two interceptions. The Bills released him on March 4, 2016.

Philadelphia Eagles

McKelvin signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 8, 2016. He played in 13 games for the Eagles in 2016. He recorded 43 tackles and 16 pass deflections. He also had two interceptions, including one he returned 29 yards for a touchdown in a game against the Washington Redskins. On February 8, 2017, McKelvin was released by the Eagles.

NFL Career Statistics