Leroy Hoard was a professional American football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams. He was born on September 20, 1968, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football for the Wolverines.
Hoard began his NFL career in 1990 when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Browns for three seasons before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 1995. He played for the Panthers for one season before being signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 1996.
Hoard had his most successful years with the Vikings, where he played for four seasons from 1996 to 1999. He was a key player in the Vikings' offense, and he helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his four seasons with the team. In 1998, he had his best season, rushing for 729 yards and 10 touchdowns, and catching 22 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns.
After leaving the Vikings, Hoard played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 and the Carolina Panthers again in 2001. He retired from the NFL after the 2001 season, having played in 134 games and rushing for 3,964 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Hoard was known for his powerful running style and his ability to score touchdowns in short-yardage situations. He was also a reliable receiver out of the backfield, and he finished his career with 130 receptions for 1,080 yards and six touchdowns.
After retiring from football, Hoard worked as a football analyst for ESPN and the Big Ten Network. He also worked as a high school football coach in Michigan.
Overall, Leroy Hoard had a successful career in the NFL, playing for several teams and earning a reputation as a reliable and powerful running back. He was a key player on several playoff teams and left a lasting impact on the game of football.
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