'I don't think it has sunk in just how far I've come in such a short time': Former Calgary Dino Deane Leonard talks about path that led him to the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers yyc NFL
The 22-year-old cornerback is in his rookie season with the Chargers . SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., is a long way from McMahon Stadium, the home venue for the Calgary Dinos, the team Leonard helped capture the ’19 Vanier Cup before transferring to Ole Miss the following year.Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Deane Leonard goes through a drill during an NFL football rookie minicamp, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Deane Leonard played minor and high school football in Calgary before enrolling at the University of Calgary. He appeared in 23 games over three seasons, registering 47 tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack and six interceptions and twice earning All-Canadian honours.After helping Calgary win the ’19 Vanier Cup title, Leonard transferred to the University of Mississippi. He appeared in 19 games over two seasons with the Rebels, recording 64 tackles and 11 passes defended.
The Chargers’ selection of Leonard marked the second straight year the NFL club had taken a Canadian. Los Angeles took receiver Josh Palmer in the third round in 2021 out of Tennessee, one of a record-tying four Canucks drafted that year.While being a rookie in professional football can be daunting, at least Deane landed in a somewhat familiar setting with the Chargers.