Topic: Jim Leonhard

James Andrew "Jim" Leonhard (born October 27, 1982 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin) is an American football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin.

Leonhard played his high school football at Flambeau High School in Tony, Wisconsin where he was the starting quarterback and free safety. During his freshman year in high school, the Flambeau Falcons won the Wisconsin state championship in football. Leonhard was a team captain in his junior and senior seasons, the same seasons in which he was a first team All-State performer. He was also named team MVP in his senior year.

Leonhard was a walk-on football player at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, having received no Division 1-A scholarship offers, and was not awarded a scholarship until his senior year, despite the fact that he had been the regular starting safety before that season. He totaled 21 interceptions, which tied Jamar Fletcher for the most in school history. He also made 281 tackles, 21st in team history. He was regarded as one of the best punt returners in the league and held the Big Ten Conference career punt return yardage record with 1,347 yards until Michigan's Steve Breaston eclipsed his mark in 2006.