32 Facts About Jim Leonhard

James Andrew Leonhard was born on October 27,1982 and is an American professional football coach and former player who is the defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League.

Jim Leonhard played professionally in the NFL as a safety for 10 seasons.

Jim Leonhard played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.

Jim Leonhard played in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns.

Jim Leonhard played high school football at Flambeau High School in Tony, Wisconsin, where he was the starting quarterback and strong safety.

Jim Leonhard was a team captain in his junior and senior seasons, the same seasons in which he was a first-team All-State performer.

Jim Leonhard was named team MVP in his senior year.

Jim Leonhard was not awarded a scholarship until his senior year, despite the fact that he had been a regular starting safety before that season and had already been named All-Big Ten twice.

Jim Leonhard held the Big Ten Conference career punt return yardage record with 1,347 yards until Michigan's Steve Breaston eclipsed his mark in 2006.

Jim Leonhard was the only undrafted rookie on the 53-man opening day roster for the 2005 Bills.

Jim Leonhard played in 10 games, finishing with 1 kick return for 36 yards.

Jim Leonhard was released during the 2006 preseason; however, he was signed 11 days later following an injury to fellow Wisconsin alumnus Troy Vincent.

Jim Leonhard finished the 2006 season with 13 tackles and 1 fumble recovery while making his first career start on December 10.

In 2007, Jim Leonhard stepped in for injured starter Ko Simpson and recorded 13 tackles on opening day against the Denver Broncos.

Jim Leonhard went on to record 54 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery, despite being hampered by a calf injury halfway through the season.

In 2008, Jim Leonhard signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he started in 13 of 16 regular season games, replacing the injured Dawan Landry.

Jim Leonhard set career-high marks with 68 tackles and one sack to go along with one interception, which he returned for a TD against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In 2009, Jim Leonhard signed with the New York Jets, reuniting him with former Ravens defensive coordinator and later New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan.

Jim Leonhard's efforts led to the Jets going to the play-offs but eventually losing to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game.

On December 3,2010, Jim Leonhard suffered a fractured tibia after a collision with wide receiver Patrick Turner during practice.

Jim Leonhard underwent surgery the same night and was ruled out for the rest of the 2010 season.

Jim Leonhard played 11 games in 2010 making 56 tackles, 1 interception, 4 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

Jim Leonhard was carried off the field by a medical cart.

Jim Leonhard played 13 games in 2011 making 48 tackles, 1 interception, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

Jim Leonhard signed a contract with the Bills in September 2013, returning to the club where he started his professional career.

Jim Leonhard made 27 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and 3 passes defensed.

In February 2016, Jim Leonhard joined Paul Chryst's staff at his alma mater as defensive backs coach.

In February 2017, Jim Leonhard was named the new defensive coordinator of the Badgers, replacing Justin Wilcox, who became the new head coach of California.

In late November 2017, Jim Leonhard was named one of five finalists for the Broyles Award which recognized the top assistant coach in college football.

On October 2,2022, Jim Leonhard was named interim head coach of the Badgers following the firing of Paul Chryst.

On February 14,2024, Jim Leonhard was named as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos.

On March 6,2025, Jim Leonhard was promoted to assistant head coach, while remaining the defensive pass game coordinator.