Teddy Lehman
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| Teddy Lehman | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | November 18, 1981 |
| Place of birth | Oklahoma |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| College | University of Oklahoma |
| NFL Draft | 2004 / Round 2 |
| Team(s) | |
| 2004-present | Detroit Lions |
Teddy Lehman (born November 18, 1981) is an NFL linebacker with the Detroit Lions. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma.
[edit] High school career
At Fort Gibson High School in Oklahoma, Lehman started at both linebacker and running back, wearing number 34. As a senior, he helped his squad post its best record ever (13-1) and advance to the Class 4A title game.
He ended his senior season with 151 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and three forced fumbles. He ranked third in the state in rushing with 1,252 yards and 16 touchdowns on 206 carries (6.1 avg.) as a running back. He also shared the punting duties for the Tigers with an average of 39.6 which was the top in Class 4A.
He recorded more than 400 tackles and seven interceptions during his career.
Currently linked to Miss Oklahoma USA, Robyn Watkins
[edit] College career
In 2002, Lehman replaced departed Dick Butkus Award winner Rocky Calmus as weak-side linebacker, and was more than able to fill his predecessor's shoes. He finished the year with 112 tackles, including two sacks and 17 stops for losses, and garnered accolades from around the country. He was the Chevrolet National Defensive Player of the Year and was one of three finalists for the Butkus Award.
He was also named a first-team All-American selection by various publications, including The NFL Draft Report, the Associated Press, and Sports Illustrated. Lehman was also named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and added All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors from the media and league coaches.
Lehman posted six tackles (five solo) in the Rose Bowl against Washington State and sacked QB Jason Gesser twice for a loss of 17 yards. Both sacks killed scoring drives at the end of the second quarter and were instrumental in securing Oklahoma's first-ever Rose Bowl win.
During the 2003 season, Lehman continued his success from his breakout 2002 campaign. He led the team in tackles, with 117, adding one forced fumble, six pass breakups, and 19 tackles for loss. His 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage broke the school’s season record for linebackers (17, shared by Brian Bosworth in 1986, Torrance Marshall in 1999, and Rocky Calmus in 2000.)
Lehman closed out his college career in the 21-14 Sugar Bowl loss against LSU with eight tackles (six solo) and two stops behind the line of scrimmage, including one sack.
He was named a consensus All-American First-Team selection and a unanimous All-Big 12 Conference first-team choice. He was awarded the Dick Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, as well as the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. Lehman was rated the top outside linebacker pro prospect in the country by The NFL Draft Report.
At the 2004 NFL Combine he ran a 4.48 40 yard dash, and bench pressed 440 pounds. According to http://www.eastcoastsportsnews.com/PreseasonRatings.html Lehman ran a 4.56 at the 2004 combine.
[edit] NFL Career
Teddy Lehman was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the fifth pick of the second round (37th overall) in 2004.
Lehman was the only rookie linebacker in the NFL to start all 16 games in 2004. He also logged a total of 1,225 plays (1,054 on defense, 171 on special teams), more than any other member of the team. He finished the season with 102 tackles, the second-highest total on the team.
