CARD: Pro Set 1990
ACQUIRED: 2020, Gift

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Leslie played DT for Oklahoma State, where he anchored some of the best defenses in that college’s history playing at the school from 1982-’85.
• He finished his college career with 34 sacks, 393 tackles, and 47 tackles for loss.
• 8th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in 1986.
• Coaches identified his abilities to rush the passer, and kicked him outside to defensive end.
• Saw action in 13 starts, contributing 12.5 sacks, 82 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions.
• Set Chargers record with 5 sacks in a game against the Dallas Cowboys that year.
• Blew out knee in 1987 and spent the entire year on IR.
• In 1989, as the Chargers converted to a 3-4 O’Neal saw action primarily at ROLB.
• Returned to form with a 12.5 sack season and 96 tackles, followed by a 13.5 sack, 81 tackle performance in ’90.
• In ’92, again moved back to RDE, and this time saw a career high 17.0 sacks and 78 tackles.
• From 1993 to ’95 O’Neal tallied 12.0, 12.5, 12.0 sacks, respectively.
• Joined the Rams in 1996, posting 17 total sacks and 97 tackles over two seasons.
• Finished his career on the Chiefs, playing his final two years in the league there (1998, ’99).
• Added another 10 sacks and 73 tackles to his resume before retiring.

ACCOLADES:

• College Football Hall of Fame
• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 1986
• San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
• San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team
• San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
• All Pro 1990, ’92, ’94
• Pro Bowl 1989-’90, 1992-’95
• Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
• Oklahoma State Athletics Hall of Honor

NOTES:

Leslie has been one of these players I’ve been after for many years. He’s got some set needs I keep staring at, particularly the Action Packed Rookies 1992 card. Playing on some really talented defenses but bad Chargers teams, probably took their toll on him and his HoF chances. A dominating player, I’ve known a few people who’ve gotten his autograph in person as he loves dispensing his knowledge to players on even a semi-pro level. He currently is a motivational speaker and OSU annually hands out a trophy in his honor.

Again my friend Bryan came through for me on this one. He sent me a care package one week thanking me for being his friend, keeping the autograph group alive, and also for helping him on some autographs. I haven’t heard from him in a while now as he’s dipped back off the radar. I hope he is okay.

tac	sac	fum	int	yds	avg	td	lg
700	132	21	3	27	9.0	1	17t