Leon Hall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Leon Hall

Hall with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013
No. 29, 25, 20
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1984-12-09) December 9, 1984 (age 40) Vista, California, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:	Vista (Vista, California)
College:	Michigan (2003–2006)
NFL Draft:	2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18
Career history
Cincinnati Bengals (2007–2015) New York Giants (2016) San Francisco 49ers (2017) Oakland Raiders (2018)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Pro (2009) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2007) Consensus All-American (2006) First-team All-Big Ten (2006) Second-team All-Big Ten (2005)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 542 Pass deflections: 117 Interceptions: 27 Forced fumbles: 6 Fumble recoveries: 2 Defensive touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR

Leon Lastarza Hall, born on December 9, 1984, is a former professional football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the University of Michigan. There, he was recognized as an All-American.

Hall was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. He also played for the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Oakland Raiders.

Early Life and College Football

Leon Hall grew up in Vista, California. He went to Vista High School. There, he played both wide receiver and defensive back on the football team. He also played in a special high school game called the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. After high school, he decided to play college football at the University of Michigan.

Professional Football Career

Leon Hall had a long and successful career in the NFL. He was known for his skills as a cornerback, a player who defends against passes.

Cincinnati Bengals

Starting Strong (2007-2008)

The Cincinnati Bengals picked Leon Hall as the 18th player overall in the 2007 NFL draft. He was the second cornerback chosen that year. The Bengals signed him to a big five-year contract.

Hall quickly became an important player for the Bengals. In his very first game, he started and helped his team win. Later that season, he made his first career interception against the Seattle Seahawks. He ended his rookie year with five interceptions, which was a team record for a first-year player.

In 2008, Hall continued to shine. In one game against the Cleveland Browns, he made three interceptions! He even returned one of them 51 yards for a touchdown. This was his first "pick six," meaning he intercepted the ball and ran it all the way to the end zone. He finished the 2008 season with a career-high 24 passes defended.

Key Player (2009-2010)

By 2009, Hall was a key starter for the Bengals. He had a memorable play where he tipped a pass, but it bounced to an opposing player who ran for a long touchdown. Despite that, he had a great season, making a career-high six interceptions.

In 2010, Hall and his teammate Johnathan Joseph were considered one of the best cornerback duos in the league. Hall continued to make big plays, including four interceptions that season.

Dealing with Injuries (2011-2015)

In 2011, the Bengals showed how much they valued Hall by signing him to a new, big contract. However, he faced a tough challenge when he tore his Achilles tendon, a serious leg injury, in November. This injury ended his season early.

Hall worked hard to come back in 2012. He played well, even returning another interception for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals made it to the playoffs, and Hall scored another touchdown in their playoff game.

Unfortunately, Hall tore his Achilles tendon again in 2013, cutting his season short once more. He returned in 2014 and played in most games, showing his toughness.

In 2015, Hall played a different role, often covering players in the middle of the field. He had a great game against the St. Louis Rams, where he made an interception and returned it for a touchdown. For this performance, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. The Bengals had a very successful season, winning their division.

New York Giants (2016)

After leaving the Bengals, Leon Hall signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants in 2016. He quickly became an important player for their defense. In his second game, he made his first career sack, tackling the opposing quarterback. He played in 12 games for the Giants, showing his versatility.

San Francisco 49ers (2017)

In 2017, Hall joined the San Francisco 49ers. He signed a contract in October and played in nine games for the team. He continued to be a reliable player in the defensive backfield.

Oakland Raiders (2018)

Leon Hall's final NFL season was in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders. He signed a one-year deal with them. He played in 10 games, starting four, before a back injury placed him on injured reserve, ending his professional career.

NFL Career Statistics