Leaks, Roosevelt “Rosey”

Card: UT Upper Deck 2011, UT Upper Deck 2011 AA
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 11/30/11   Received:  4/16/12  (139 days)

UT is a machine when it comes to cranking out quality runningbacks. While some point to recent names like Ricky Williams, Priest Holmes, and Cedric Benson, take a look at Roosevelt Leaks, -the man who made Earl Campbell play second fiddle for his Freshman season.  Leaks was a consensus All American in 1973 and set the school record for most yards rushing (since broken) with 342 against SMU.  A team captain and MVP, Roosevelt set an SWC mark with 1,415 yards rushing that season and was named the MVP of the Conference.  Today he is ranked 7th all time on the school’s rushing chart totaling 2,923 career yards and was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1985.

The Baltimore Colts needed a presence at fullback and felt that Roosevelt fit the bill, taking him in the 5th round of the 1975 draft. Considered the first guy in the weight room and the last one out, Leaks over his career was utilized as a short yardage back but was also a punishing blocker. His best season came in 1976, where he ran for 445 yards and 7 touchdowns.  After 5 seasons in Baltimore, Roosevelt signed with the Bills in 1980. He’d experience a small renaissance scoring 6 touchdowns in 1981 and 5 touchdowns in 1982 while blocking for RB Joe Cribbs.  In the end, Roosevelt finished his pro career with 32 career touchdowns, before retiring after the 1983 season as a Buffalo Bill.

He’s retired to the Austin area, where he resides today,  is an active member of his chapter of the NFLPA, and a real estate developer.

G/Gs 107/59    Car  663    Yds  2406    Avg  3.6     Td  28    Lg  42
Rec  71    Yds  590    Avg  8.3    Td 4    Lg 27