Leonard Marshall

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Leonard Marshall (born October 22, 1961) is a former NFL defensive lineman for the New York Giants, New York Jets and Washington Redskins. Marshall was a member of the Giants teams that won Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV. Marshall was drafted by the Giants in the second round (37th overall) out of LSU in the 1983 NFL draft.

Marshall is probably best known for his hit that knocked Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana out of the 1990 NFC Championship game. In the 4th quarter he hit Montana so hard that he suffered a bruised sternum, bruised stomach, cracked ribs, and a broken hand. This would be the last game Montana would ever start for the 49ers.Montana said that Marshall snapped back his right hand after they were on the ground, breaking a bone.

Marshall played defensive end for the Giants for 10 seasons, then played a season each for the New York Jets and Washington Redskins. Marshall was named NFL Defensive Linemen of the Year in 1985 and 1986.[1] He finished his career with 83.5 sacks, including a career high 15.5 in 1985, and was selected to 3 pro bowls. He was one the better pass rushers in the NFC during his prime years averaging nearly 10 sacks a game from 1985-1991, and posting double digit sack totals 3 times.

Marshall performed especially well in the postseason. In the 1990 NFC Championship game Marshall had 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles and was named defensive player of the week.[2] He also recorded 2 sacks in Super Bowl XXI and a sack in Super Bowl XXV.

Since his NFL career ended Marshall has hosted the annual Leonard Marshall Football Academy Camp which trains football players aged 8-18.[3]The camp uses an impressive list of current and former NFL Pro Bowlers [4] to help teach the fundamentals of football in a non-contact setting. It is organized each June in south Florida.

Marshall also hosted a radio show on WFAN entitled the Leonard Marshall Show which was recorded in Hollywood, Florida near Marshall's former residence in Boca Raton, Florida. [5] Marshall also appeared on radio during his five year stint on the Howard Stern show where he co-hosted NY Football (CBS).[6]

Marshall is also a noted philanthropist who have received several awards in recognition of his charitable work.[7]

Marshall is currently a professor of Sports Management at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.