Cincinnati Bengals (2009-Current)
Brian Leonard, acquired in an offseason trade with the St. Louis Rams in May 2009, made a huge contribution to the Cincinnati Bengals this past season as the team's third-down running back. In his third NFL season, Brian played in 14 games (Games 1-5 and 8-16) and led the team's running backs with 30 receptions and 217 receiving yards. His 19 receptions for 139 yards on third down were second among NFL running backs and tied for 11th most in the league. Of those 19 catches, eight were third-down conversions. In addition, Brian had 27 rushes for 84 yards (3.1 yards per carry). He also had nine special-teams tackles (sixth on the team) and returned two kickoffs for 38 yards. Head Coach Marvin Lewis presented Brian with the offensive game ball for an outstanding performance against the Baltimore Ravens on November 8th. Brian has contributed greatly to the recent resurgence of the Cincinnati Bengals, who were the AFC North Division champion in 2010 -- the first Bengals franchise team to sweep the division. For his stellar play, the Cincinnati Bengals awarded Brian with the James Brooks Gabbie award as the best acquisition via trade or free agency during the 2009 season.
> Official Cincinnati Bengals Profile
What his Bengals teammates are saying:
Bengals Quarterback Carson Palmer was asked at a December 2nd press conference about Brian Leonard making key contributions to the offense, especially on third down. "He's been tremendous," stated Palmer. "We've put him in situations where he has had to block the 3-4 linebackers against Pittsburgh, and the 3-4 linebackers against Baltimore. He did it. He got the job done. He can block a D-end too if he has to. If there's a certain call made on the offensive line, Brian can cut a three-technique and do anything you expect, where you put a tight end back there or a big physical 
running back. He can do all of that. What he does once he gets out of the backfield is special. He has made a number of plays that have won games and extended drives. He's made plays that he shouldn't, whether it be breaking a tackle or jumping over a guy for a first down, somehow keeping his balance and falling forward to get five yards on third-and-four. It's been a real good combination of keeping him in the backfield to max protect and get him one-on-one with linebackers and safeties on routes."
Bengals right guard Bobbie Williams, in a December 28th interview, called Leonard the unsung hero of the team. "He's a great guy. He's an excellent player. He just gets it done."
Bengals safety Chris Crocker, when asked in a December 30th interview who he considered the Bengal's team MVP responded quickly by saying, "That's easy, it would be Brian Leonard."
St. Louis Rams (2007-2008)
Brian was a second round NFL draft pick in 2007 (52nd pick overall) and was signed to a four-year contract with the St. Louis Rams. He made starts at both fullback and running back in his rookie season. In week 5 of the NFL season, Brian had a breakout game against the Arizona Cardinals, running for 102 yards on 18 carries and adding 5 receptions for 33 yards. He finished the NFL season with an average of 3.5 yards per carry (303 yards), and he caught at least 1 pass in 14 of 16 games (30 receptions).
In the 2008 season, Brian played in just two games because of a shoulder injury that put him on the injured reserve. The injury to his rotator cuff required surgery and ended his season.
Rutgers University (2002-2006)
Brian Leonard, a three-time All-American standout at Rutgers University was one of the greatest players in the history of the Scarlet Knights football program. Despite being acknowledged as a 
Heisman candidate his senior season, Leonard elected to unselfishly help the team by taking on the role as a traditional fullback in the offense and blocking for running back Ray Rice who rose to stardom. His string of 47 consecutive games with at least one reception from 2003 to 2006 is a Big East record. The two-time All Big East performer finished his career at Rutgers as the all-time leader in receptions (207) and touchdowns (45). Brian is ranked second for points by a non-kicker (272). He is ranked third all time on the list of all-purpose yards (4,643). He is ranked third in rushing touchdowns (32), fifth for rushing yards (2,775), and ninth for receiving yards (1,868), while being tied for sixth for receiving touchdowns (13).
He capped his career at Rutgers as the recipient of the Draddy Trophy, also known as the "Academic Heisman," which recognizes an individual as the best in the country for combined academic success, football performance, and community leadership. He also received the 2006 ARA Sportsmanship Award. In 2006, Peter King wrote an article in Sports Illustrated selecting Leonard as his personal candidate for Sportsman of the Year, due to Leonard's on and off the field accomplishments.
Brian was named starting fullback on the 2007 Senior Bowl north squad, where he finished with 16 yards rushing and 13 yards receiving, third overall on the team in total yardage. At the 2007 NFL Combine, Leonard was timed at 4.49 seconds in the 40 yard dash, which is exceptionally fast for a fullback, and above average for a running back. He also bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times (most of any running back).
He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Labor Studies.
On December 25, 2009, The Star Ledger newspaper (Newark, New Jersey) named Brian the second best player of the decade for the Rutgers University football program behind former teammate and current Baltimore Ravens standout running back Ray Rice.
Gouverneur High School (1997-2001)
Brian attended Gouverneur High School and finished his career as the state of New York’s All-time recorder holder by scoring 696 points, totaling 107 touchdowns while rushing for 5,854 yards. He was a two-time All-State selection and Watertown Daily Times “Athlete of the Year” as well as a three-time All-Northern Conference MVP. He rushed for 2,398 yards on 234 carries with 47 touchdowns during his senior season and produced nine consecutive 200-yard rushing games.