Rodney McLeod is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on June 23, 1990, in Hyattsville, Maryland, and attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville. McLeod played college football at the University of Virginia, where he was a standout player for the Cavaliers.
After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, McLeod signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Rams' defense, starting 77 games over five seasons with the team. McLeod was known for his versatility and ability to play both safety positions, as well as his strong tackling and coverage skills.
In 2016, McLeod signed a five-year, $37 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played four seasons with the Eagles, starting 57 games and helping the team win Super Bowl LII in 2018. McLeod was a team captain and a leader on and off the field, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
During his NFL career, McLeod recorded 532 tackles, 11 interceptions, 6.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. He was also a standout special teams player, blocking two punts and returning a kickoff for a touchdown.
Off the field, McLeod was known for his philanthropic work and community involvement. He founded the Rodney McLeod Foundation in 2016, which focuses on education, youth development, and community enrichment initiatives in Philadelphia and his hometown of Hyattsville.
In March 2021, McLeod was released by the Eagles after the team declined his option for the 2021 season. He later signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, but was released during the team's final roster cuts in August 2021.
Overall, Rodney McLeod had a successful NFL career, earning the respect of his peers and making a positive impact both on and off the field.
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