:Maurice Leggett
{{Short description|American gridiron football player (born 1986)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| image =
| caption =
| current_team =
| number = 31, 19
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|10|2}}
| birth_place = McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lbs = 217
| high_school = Mount Zion
(Jonesboro, Georgia)
| college = Valdosta State
| undraftedyear = 2008
| pastteams =
- Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2008}}–{{NFL Year|2010}})
- Detroit Lions (2011)*
- Utah Blaze ({{AFL Year|2013}})
- Philadelphia Soul ({{AFL Year|2014}})*
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers ({{CFL Year|2014}}–{{CFL Year|2018}})
- Albany Empire ({{AFL Year|2019}})
- Columbus Lions ({{NAL Year|2022}})
- Albany Empire ({{NAL Year|2023}})
| status =
| cflstatus =
| highlights =
- ArenaBowl champion (XXXII)
- CFL West All Star (2016)
- Second-team All-NAL ({{NAL Year|2022}})
- 2× NCAA Division II national champion (2004, 2007)
| statlabel1 = Tackles
| statvalue1 = 54
| statlabel2 = Pass breakups
| statvalue2 = 11
| statlabel3 = Interceptions
| statvalue3 = 1
| pfr = LeggMa99
| cflstatlabel1 = Tackles
| cflstatvalue1 = 253
| cflstatlabel2 = Sacks
| cflstatvalue2 = 12.0
| cflstatlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| cflstatvalue3 = 6
| cflstatlabel4 = Interceptions
| cflstatvalue4 = 16
| aflstatlabel1 = Tackles
| aflstatvalue1 = 76.0
| aflstatlabel2 = Pass breakups
| aflstatvalue2 = 22
| aflstatlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| aflstatvalue3 = 3
| aflstatlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| aflstatvalue4 = 1
| aflstatlabel5 = Interceptions
| aflstatvalue5 = 5
| cfl = maurice-leggett/159447/
| afl = 12711
}}
Maurice Lamar Leggett (also known as Moe Leggett{{cite news|last1=Sawatzky|first1=Mike|title=Dressler, Leggett definite maybes for Blue Bombers Friday in Ottawa|url=https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/dressler-leggett-definite-maybes-for-blue-bombers-friday-in-ottawa-437726533.html|accessdate=September 9, 2017|work=Winnipeg Free Press|date=July 21, 2017}}) (born October 2, 1986) is an American former professional football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), and Arena Football League (AFL). He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in May 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played college football for Valdosta State University.
Early life and college
Leggett attended and played football at Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro, Georgia.{{cite web|url=http://columbuslions.net/news/?article_id=154|title=Lions Sign Former Chiefs Rookie of The Year|date=February 1, 2020|accessdate=February 22, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809233230/http://columbuslions.net/news/?article_id=154|url-status=dead}} He played running back during high school.{{cite web|url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2009/6/18/913284/chiefs-cb-maurice-leggett-on|title=Chiefs CB Maurice Leggett on Training Camp, Attitude and Clancy Pendergast|date=June 18, 2009|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} His jersey from the school was retired in 2009. He attended Valdosta State University and played on their football team, the Blazers, helping them win two Division II National Championships; in 2004 and 2007.{{cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2007-12-15-division-ii-championship_N.htm|title=Valdosta State takes home Division II title on late score - USATODAY.com|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com|accessdate=September 14, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://static.vstateblazers.com/custompages/PDFs/Football/2014/2014%20FB%20Record%20Book.pdf|title=Blazers record book|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} He was honored with first-team All-Gulf South honors in 2006 as well.
Professional career
=Kansas City Chiefs=
Leggett was undrafted in the 2008 NFL draft, and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) on May 2, 2008 as an undrafted free agent. After a productive rookie season, he was awarded the Mack Lee Hill Award for Most Outstanding Rookie for the Chiefs.{{cite web|url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-1/CB-Maurice-Leggett-Has-High-School-Jersey-Retired/6DD000FA-1B64-47FE-9C74-C2110BCC6C15|title=CB Maurice Leggett Has High School Jersey Retired|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914215831/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-1/CB-Maurice-Leggett-Has-High-School-Jersey-Retired/6DD000FA-1B64-47FE-9C74-C2110BCC6C15|url-status=dead}} Leggett was the first undrafted rookie to win the award.{{cite web|url=http://www.chiefs.com/team/roster/Maurice-Leggett/8a2798c8-89d4-4247-a4af-5819d192f1bd/|title=Kansas City Chiefs: Maurice Leggett|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914215611/http://www.chiefs.com/team/roster/Maurice-Leggett/8a2798c8-89d4-4247-a4af-5819d192f1bd/|url-status=dead}} In November 2009, he was placed in injured reserve for a shoulder injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8147ced5/article/chiefs-put-cornerback-leggett-on-injured-r_9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914173930/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8147ced5/article/chiefs-put-cornerback-leggett-on-injured-r_9|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 14, 2017|title=Chiefs put cornerback Leggett on injured reserve|website=NFL.com |publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} In 2010, he was again placed on injured reserve, and was eventually not resigned.{{cite web|url=https://arrowheadaddict.com/2011/07/28/so-long-maurice-leggett-we-hardly-knew-ye/|title=So Long Maurice Leggett…We Hardly Knew Ye|date=July 28, 2011|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}}
=Detroit Lions=
On July 29, 2011, Leggett signed with the Detroit Lions.[http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/07/detroit_lions_sum_up_first_off.html Detroit Lions sum up first official practice: 'Crisp'] MLive.com July 29, 2011 He was released on August 17, after his injury didn't heal.{{cite web|url=http://themajors.net/detroit/lions-sign-free-agent-rbs-jerome-harrison-and-mike-bell/|title=Lions sign free agent RB's Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell - The Majors Detroit|website=themajors.net|date=August 9, 2011|accessdate=September 14, 2017}}
=Utah Blaze=
Leggett signed with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League (AFL) in 2013 to resume his football career.{{cite web|url=http://www.kontrolmag.com/icandy-maurice-leggett-future-family-and-football/|title=ICANDY: MAURICE LEGGETT Future, Family, and Football - Kontrol Magazine|date=August 12, 2013|accessdate=September 14, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812040052/http://www.kontrolmag.com/icandy-maurice-leggett-future-family-and-football/|archivedate=August 12, 2013}} He had 69 tackles and five interceptions playing in 15 games during his first season in the AFL.
=Philadelphia Soul=
During the offseason, Leggett signed with the Philadelphia Soul, but never played with the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiasoul.com/index.cfm?go=news&show=story&id=10769|title=JEFF HUGHLEY RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Soul|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172751/http://www.philadelphiasoul.com/index.cfm?go=news&show=story&id=10769|url-status=dead}}
=Winnipeg Blue Bombers=
In 2014, Leggett signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. In his first CFL year, Leggett was Winnipeg's nominee for the CFL outstanding defensive player of the year award.{{cite web|url=http://o.canada.com/sports/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-safety-maurice-leggett-to-contract-extension|title=Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign safety Maurice Leggett to contract extension|date=December 8, 2014|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914173008/http://o.canada.com/sports/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-safety-maurice-leggett-to-contract-extension|url-status=dead}} He finished his first CFL season tied for second in the league with five interceptions, including three in one game. At the end of the season, he was rewarded with a three-year contract extension. Leggett continued his strong play in 2015, contributing 59 tackles (including five on special teams), five quarterback sacks and one interception.
In 2016, Leggett was voted Winnipeg's top defensive player, and was the CFL's co-leader with seven interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns.{{cite web|url=http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/05/30/bombers-leggett-comes-up-injured|title=Bombers' Leggett comes up injured|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}}
In 2017, Leggett was named a "Shaw CFL Top Performer of the Week" after scoring two touchdowns in the Banjo Bowl win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.{{cite web|url=http://globalnews.ca/news/3737076/bombers-maurice-leggett-honoured-for-banjo-bowl-performance/|title=Bombers' Maurice Leggett honoured for Banjo Bowl performance|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} It was only the third time in the past 30 years that a CFL defensive player had multiple touchdowns in a game.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EdTaitWFC/status/907628194878164992|title=Some cool historical numbers on Maurice Leggett's @almighty31 two TD performance in Banjo Bowl from CFL stats guru Steve Daniel|first=Ed|last=Tait|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} On October 15, 2017, nearing the end of the 2017 regular season, Leggett suffered a torn Achilles tendon and was declared out for the rest of the season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/leggett-out-for-season-with-torn-achilles-1.885435|title=Leggett out for season with torn Achilles - Article - TSN|date=October 15, 2017|work=TSN|access-date=October 16, 2017}} In 13 games he had contributed 50 tackles, three interceptions and three sacks. In February 2018, less than a week before becoming a free agent, Leggett and the Bombers agreed to a one-year contract extension.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/bombers-re-sign-db-leggett-to-one-year-deal-1.989642|title=Bombers re-sign DB Leggett to one-year deal - Article - TSN|date=February 6, 2018|work=TSN|access-date=February 7, 2018}} Leggett suffered another serious injury during the 2018 CFL season and was carted off the team's practice field on October 22, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/10/22/report-leggett-leaves-bombers-monday-practice-cart/|title=Report: Leggett leaves Bombers Monday practice on cart - CFL.ca|date=October 22, 2018|work=CFL.ca|access-date=November 22, 2018|language=en-US}} Leggett was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on November 21, 2018, after the Bombers were eliminated from the playoffs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/11/21/bombers-release-longtime-db-maurice-leggett/|title=Bombers release longtime DB Maurice Leggett - CFL.ca|date=November 21, 2018|work=CFL.ca|access-date=November 22, 2018|language=en-US}}
=Albany Empire=
Leggett returned to the Arena Football League when he signed with the Albany Empire in time for the final regular season game.[https://m.timesunion.com/empire/article/Empire-bring-in-former-NFL-player-to-bolster-14102963.php Empire bring in former NFL player to bolster defense], ‘’Albany Times-Union’’ (July 18, 2019) After advancing in the playoffs, Leggett recorded Albany's first points in ArenaBowl XXXII when he intercepted a pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. Leggett also recovered a fumble en route to Albany's first championship.{{Cite web|url=https://dailygazette.com/article/2019/08/12/empire-wins-arenabowl-32|title = Empire wins ArenaBowl 32 | the Daily Gazette| date=August 12, 2019 }} The league folded in November 2019.
CFL statistics
| BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="0" width="65%" style="text-align:center" |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="2" | ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="7" | Defence |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Year ! Team ! Games ! Tackles ! ST ! Sacks ! Int ! TD ! FF |
| ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
|2014 |WPG |16 |65 |1 |2 |5 |0 |2 |
| 2015
|WPG |17 |54 |5 |5 |1 |0 |0 |
| ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
|2016 |WPG |17 |51 |0 |1 |7 |3 |1 |
| 2017
|WPG |13 |50 |0 |3 |3 |1 |3 |
| ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
|2018 |WPG |9 |33 |2 |1 |0 |0 |0 |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="2" | CFL totals !72 !253 !8 !12 !16 !4 !6 |
Coaching career
Leggett was the last interim head coach of the National Arena League's Albany Empire in 2023 before the team was removed from the league.
Personal life
Leggett has a son, Malik Price, born in 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/cfl/news/winnipeg-blue-bombers-saskatchewan-rough-riders-banjo-bowl-recap-maurice-leggett/wt7hffmucrxm1n26pk0q9b5la|title=Leggett scores twice, Blue Bombers win Banjo Bowl against Rough Roughriders|date=September 9, 2017|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} He participates in ballet, performing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in a performance of The Nutcracker.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/12/28/maurice-leggett-winnipeg-the-nutcracker_n_13873654.html|title=Maurice Leggett, CFL Player, Suits Up For 'The Nutcracker' In Winnipeg|date=December 28, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} Leggett has been a fan of ballet since taking a ballet class in high school. He also has interest in opera and frequently listens to classical music.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/maurice-leggett-a-man-of-many-talents~1187788|title=Maurice Leggett: A man of many talents|publisher=|accessdate=September 14, 2017}} Leggett majored in criminal justice in college, and also studied voice and piano. He cites Ed Reed and Ray Lewis as his inspirations in football.During a press conference to announce his re-signing with the Blue Bombers in February, Leggatt says he will seriously consider taking up permanent residency in the City if Winnipeg upon retirement from football.
{{cite web|url=http://cover32.com/2016/07/13/cfl-star-leggett-ravens/|title=INTERVIEW: CFL Star DB says he'd be "ecstatic" to play for Ravens - Cover32|first=Chris L.|last=Brown|website=cover32.com|accessdate=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914173548/http://cover32.com/2016/07/13/cfl-star-leggett-ravens/|url-status=dead}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100516063909/http://mauriceleggett.com/ Official website]
- [https://www.statscrew.com/football/stats/p-leggemau001 Stats Crew profile]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20141124033239/http://www.bluebombers.com/roster/show/id/6743 Winnipeg Blue Bombers bio]
- [http://www.kcchiefs.com/team/roster/Maurice-Leggett/8a2798c8-89d4-4247-a4af-5819d192f1bd/ Kansas City Chiefs bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905011312/http://www.kcchiefs.com/team/roster/Maurice-Leggett/8a2798c8-89d4-4247-a4af-5819d192f1bd |date=September 5, 2010 }}
{{2004 Valdosta State Blazers football navbox}}
{{2007 Valdosta State Blazers football navbox}}
{{ArenaBowl XXXII}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leggett, Maurice}}
Category:Sportspeople from McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Category:Players of American football from Pennsylvania
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Valdosta State Blazers football players
Category:Kansas City Chiefs players
Category:Detroit Lions players
Category:Philadelphia Soul players
Category:Albany Empire (AFL) players
Category:Canadian football defensive backs
Category:Winnipeg Blue Bombers players
Category:Columbus Lions players
Category:Albany Empire (NAL) players
Category:Players of Canadian football from Pennsylvania