Deane Leonard is about to kick off his fifth season in the NFL, a journey that’s taken him all the way from a seventh-round draft pick to a key piece for the Los Angeles Chargers. This dude, originally hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has carved out a serious niche in the league, proving you don’t need to be a top pick to make an impact. For the Chargers, knowing you’ve got a reliable, fast player like Leonard coming back for 2026 is a big deal, especially when depth and special teams can make or break a season.
From Canadian Champ to Ole Miss Standout
Leonard’s football roots run deep, starting with a Provincial Title win at Notre Dame High School back in 2014. Seriously, this guy was multi-sport, lettering in basketball and track too, because of course he was! He even had Chargers teammate Amen Ogbongbemiga playing alongside him back then. After dominating high school, Leonard took his talents to the University of Calgary for three seasons. He was an absolute ball hawk there, snagging six interceptions in 23 games and helping his team win the Vanier Cup in 2019. Twice named an All-Canadian selection? That’s not just good, that’s elite college production. Before his final college year, he made the jump to Ole Miss, where he really showed what he could do. By 2021, he was a full-time starter, racking up 50 total tackles, a tackle for loss, and seven pass breakups. Then came the pro day where he absolutely flew, clocking a blazing 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at 6’0 and 195 pounds. That kind of speed is rare, and it clearly made an impression.
The Special Teams Ace Los Angeles Needs
When the 2022 NFL Draft rolled around, the Chargers snagged Leonard with the 236th-overall pick in the seventh round. Sure, he was a later pick, but his speed and agility immediately translated to the pros. As a rookie, he was a special teams beast, logging five total tackles and pulling off a huge forced fumble and recovery that helped the Chargers beat the Broncos in overtime on Monday Night Football. Talk about making a name for yourself! In 2023, he even earned three starts in 11 games, chipping in with 28 tackles, three pass breakups, and another forced fumble. While 2024 and 2025 saw him primarily in a special teams role again, playing in 18 games and adding 13 tackles, his consistent ability on coverages has made him indispensable. His excellent speed and agility aren’t just stats, they’re the reason he’s a mainstay on those critical special teams units.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, it’s clear what Leonard’s role will be. His special teams play isn’t just a bonus, it’s the “heavy lifting” that keeps him firmly on that active roster. For the Chargers, having a known commodity who brings that kind of consistent, high-energy impact in the third phase of the game is huge. Keep an eye on Leonard as the season ramps up; he’s the kind of player who makes those crucial, often-overlooked plays that swing games.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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