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Throwback Thursday Tribute: Safety Jim Leonhard

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 9: Defensive back Jim Leonhard #18 of the UW Badgers runs the ball after intercepting a pass during the NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against the Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium on November 9, 2002 in Madison, Wisconsin. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the University of Wisconsin Badgers 37-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 9: Defensive back Jim Leonhard #18 of the UW Badgers runs the ball after intercepting a pass during the NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against the Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium on November 9, 2002 in Madison, Wisconsin. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the University of Wisconsin Badgers 37-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Badger of Honor continues its series of Throwback Thursday tributes with former safety, and current defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard.

Jim Leonhard was one my favorite Badgers growing up. He came along at the perfect time in the early 2000’s, and as far as I was concerned, he did everything. Leonhard finished his Badger career with 21 interceptions, which is tied for 4th all time in the NCAA. And he’s tied atop the Wisconsin record books with Jamar Fletcher. Leonhard wasn’t just a great safety in Badger history, he was a great player in all of college football history.

Leonhard wasn’t just flipping the field on defense. He did it plenty on special teams too. He has three career punt returns for touchdowns. In 2004, he led the Big Ten in punt return yards, and he’s 12th in NCAA history in that stat for his career. Leonhard made it cool to practice catching pop up punts in the back yard.

Leonhard’s Legacy

Leonhard was a former walk-on and a pioneer for much of what Wisconsin is today. He had more heart than skill, but his hard work is what paid off in the end. He ended up being one of the all-time greats and it wasn’t because he was bigger, faster or stronger than anybody else. It was because he worked harder than them.

Leonhard was also praised for his high football IQ, which has obviously translated into his career after playing football. He’s now the defensive coordinator for the Badgers, and recognized as one of the hottest young assistants in the nation. New Florida State head coach Willie Taggart had apparently honed in on Leonhard to be the Seminoles’ defensive coordinator, but he ultimately decided to stay in Madison.

Wisconsin’s defense has been known to be one of the best in the country. Leonhard walked on to a Big Ten program and became one of the best ever. He went undrafted in the NFL, but still saw a 10-year career. As incredible as those two feats are, they pale in comparison to the challenge that stares him in the face in 2018. With so much talent graduating and leaving for the draft, Leonhard has his work cut out for him if the Badgers will continue to have a dominant defense. But, he has two senior leaders in key areas with linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety D’Cota Dixon to help him out.

Next: Top 10 Running Backs at Wisconsin since Ron Dayne

Jim Leonhard is Wisconsin Badgers football. The culture is alive and thriving. As long as Leonhard is in town, the Badgers defense is going to be in great shape.