Rodney McLeod Jr. Bio
Rodney McLeod Jr. (born June 23, 1990) is an American former professional football player who spent 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) as a safety. McLeod played college football for the University of Virginia before signing with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He developed into a durable and productive NFL safety who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns before retiring after the 2024 season. McLeod earned a Super Bowl championship with the Eagles in 2017 and was recognized for his community service with the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Rodney McLeod Jr. was born on June 23, 1990, in Clinton, Maryland. He attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he played as a safety and earned recognition as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. McLeod chose to continue his football career at the University of Virginia over offers from Syracuse and Virginia Tech. DeMatha Catholic has a strong football tradition and helped McLeod develop the skills that would carry him to the collegiate level.
College Career at Virginia
McLeod played four seasons for the Virginia Cavaliers from 2008 to 2011. During his college career, he recorded 190 tackles, six interceptions, one sack, 17 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. His four-year contributions demonstrated his reliability and developing skill set as a defensive back, setting the stage for his professional career despite going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Rodney McLeod Jr. Career
St. Louis Rams (2012–2015)
McLeod signed with the St. Louis Rams on April 30, 2012, after going undrafted. He competed for a roster spot as a backup safety during training camp and earned reps ahead of more experienced players due to his quick progression. Head coach Jeff Fisher named McLeod the backup free safety to begin his rookie season. He made his professional debut in the Rams season-opener against the Detroit Lions and recorded his first career tackle on Lions running back Stefan Logan. McLeod finished his rookie season with 13 combined tackles in 16 games and also led the Rams with 16 special teams tackles. In 2013, McLeod entered training camp competing for a starting position after veteran Quintin Mikell was released. He earned the starting strong safety role and made his first career start in the season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals. On November 3, 2013, he recorded his first career interception off quarterback Jake Locker during a game against the Tennessee Titans. He finished the 2013 season with 79 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 starts. In 2014, McLeod became the starting free safety and recorded 72 combined tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 starts. In 2015, he scored his first professional touchdown on a 20-yard fumble return against the Cleveland Browns and recorded a season-high nine combined tackles with an interception off Joe Flacco in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He completed the 2015 season with 82 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus ranked McLeod as the 10th highest-graded safety in 2015 with a pass coverage grade of 79.8.
Philadelphia Eagles Breakthrough (2016–2021)
McLeod became an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 9, 2016. The Eagles signed him to a five-year, $35 million contract that included $17 million guaranteed and an $8 million signing bonus, making him the fourth highest-paid safety in the league at the time. The Eagles paired him with Malcolm Jenkins to form the NFL’s highest-paid safety duo. McLeod started all 16 games in his first Eagles season and recorded a career-high 83 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, three interceptions, and his first career sack. In 2017, McLeod helped the Eagles capture their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. He started 14 games and recorded 54 combined tackles, six pass deflections, and three interceptions during the regular season. In the playoffs, he recorded seven solo tackles and a sack on Matt Ryan during the NFC Divisional Round victory against the Atlanta Falcons. McLeod started in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots and recorded six combined tackles and a pass breakup in the Eagles 41-33 victory. In 2018, McLeod suffered a torn MCL in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts and was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery. He returned in 2019 and started all 16 games with 74 tackles, six pass defenses, and two interceptions. McLeod signed a two-year contract extension on March 25, 2020. He was selected as the Eagles nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for 2020. He suffered a torn ACL against the New Orleans Saints in December 2020 and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. He remained with the Eagles through the 2021 season before becoming a free agent.
Indianapolis Colts (2022)
McLeod signed with the Indianapolis Colts on April 14, 2022. He played in all 17 games with 16 starts and recorded a career-high 96 tackles, eight passes defended, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. One of his interceptions was a 27-yard return for a touchdown in the Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans. The 2022 season represented one of his most productive statistical seasons in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2024)
On May 5, 2023, McLeod signed with the Cleveland Browns. He played in 10 games with five starts before suffering a season-ending torn biceps in Week 11 that required surgery. He was placed on injured reserve on November 21, 2023. McLeod re-signed with the Browns on March 25, 2024. He played in all 17 games with five starts, recording 39 tackles, five passes defensed, and two touchdowns including a fumble recovery return and a blocked field goal return. After the 2024 season, McLeod announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Defensive Style and Strengths
McLeod was known for his solid coverage skills and instincts as a safety. His 18 career interceptions and 66 passes defensed demonstrate his consistent ability to make plays on the ball and his range in the secondary. He showed versatility by playing both safety positions throughout his career and was a reliable tackler in run support. His durability was a notable trait, as he logged 66 consecutive starts at one point and appeared in 82 consecutive games to begin his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
McLeod achieved his most significant career milestone when he won Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. He was recognized with the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award in 2022 for his community service efforts. His durability stood out as a key strength throughout his career, with his 66-game consecutive starting streak being a testament to his reliability. McLeod finished his career with 757 combined tackles, 18 interceptions, 66 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, and 5 touchdowns across 13 seasons with the Rams, Eagles, Colts, and Browns.
Rodney McLeod Jr. Family
Family Background and Education
McLeod attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, and went on to play college football at the University of Virginia. His educational background at these institutions helped shape his development as both a student-athlete and professional player.
Personal Life
McLeod married Erika, fellow University of Virginia graduate, in the summer of 2019. The couple launched the Change Our Future charity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and hosted their first annual Sneaker Ball on December 6, 2021. McLeod has been recognized for his commitment to community service and was named the Eagles nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2020. After announcing his retirement following the 2024 season, McLeod concluded a distinguished 13-year NFL career marked by consistent defensive production and meaningful community involvement.
2025 Season Outlook
Following his retirement announcement after the 2024 season, Rodney McLeod Jr. concluded his professional football career. His 13 seasons in the NFL reflected durability, versatility, and consistent performance at the safety position. McLeod leaves the game with a Super Bowl championship, numerous career honors, and a legacy of community service through his charitable foundation work.