How Long Has Leonard Fournette Been In The NFL?
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It’s been nearly three years since Leonard Fournette was drafted into the NFL, and the former LSU running back has been one of the league’s most productive players during that time. In his first two seasons, Fournette rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and scored 28 touchdowns, helping the Jacksonville Jaguars reach the AFC Championship game in 2017.
Fournette’s production has dipped a bit in 2019, but he’s still a key part of the Jaguars’ offense. Here
Background
Leonard Fournette was born on January 18, 1996, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He played running back for St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. As a junior, he ran for 2,500 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was considered one of the best running back prospects in the country. In his senior year, he ran for 1,140 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had 21 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Early Life
Leonard Fournette was born on January 18, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised by his mother, Lory, and his father, Leonard Jr. Growing up, Fournette was always big for his age. When he was just 10 years old, he was already 5’3″ and 180 pounds. He began playing organized football in fifth grade, and by the time he was in eighth grade, he had grown to 6’0″ and weighed 200 pounds.
In high school, Fournette continued to excel at football. He played running back and linebacker for Saint Augustine High School in New Orleans. As a senior, he was named Louisiana’s Mr. Football after rushing for more than 2,500 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was also a highly touted recruit and was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country by 247Sports.com.
College Career
Leonard Fournette played college football for Louisiana State University from 2014 to 2016. He was a consensus All-American in 2015 and 2016, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2015. He set numerous LSU records, including most rushing yards in a season and most rushing touchdowns in a career.
After his junior year, Fournette declared for the 2017 NFL Draft. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fourth overall pick.
NFL Career
Leonard Fournette has been in the NFL since 2017. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played college football at LSU, where he was a two-time All-American. In his NFL career, Fournette has so far played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Fournette was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars fourth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $27.1 million contract with the team on July 25, 2017.
In his NFL debut against the Houston Texans in Week 1, Fournette ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries as the Jaguars won 29–7. He became the first rookie running back to run for over 100 yards and score a touchdown in his NFL debut since LaDainian Tomlinson did so in 2001. In Weeks 2 and 3, he recorded 175 all-purpose yards as he helped the Jaguars win both games. In Week 4, against the New York Jets, he scored his second career touchdown on a one-yard run as the Jaguars won 23–20 in overtime. The following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fournette had 181 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns along with 36 receiving yards for 217 all-purpose yards as he led the Jaguars to a 30–9 victory.[52] In Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts, he had 28 carries for 101 rushing yards in the 27–0 shutout victory.[53] The following week against Cincinnati Bengals, Fournette scored another touchdown as he finished with 36 rushing yards during their 23–7 win.[54]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NFL career of Leonard Fournette began when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. After three seasons with the Jaguars, Fournette was released in 2020 and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won a Super Bowl championship with the Buccaneers in 2021.
Leonard Fournette’s Personal Life
Leonard Fournette is an American football running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU, where he was a member of the Tigers’ National Championship team in 2015. He was drafted by the Jaguars with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Fournette was born on January 18, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Family
Leonard Fournette was born on January 18, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the youngest of five children born to Lory and Leonard Fournette Sr. His parents divorced when he was a child, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather, with whom he has a close relationship. Fournette’s stepfather served as his primary father figure and has been credited with instilling many of the values that have shaped him into the man he is today.
Fournette has four older siblings: two sisters, Lory and Lanarda, and two brothers, Lanard Jr. and Deronte’. He is particularly close to his older sister Lory, who has served as a role model and source of inspiration for him throughout his life.
Fournette’s grandfather, Nelson Sappleton, also played a significant role in his life. Sappleton was a former football player who instilled a love of the game in Fournette at an early age. He would often take young Leonard to watch high school football games and taught him how to play the sport.
Fournette’s family has always been supportive of his career goals. They continue to be an important part of his life and play a significant role in helping him stay grounded despite his success.
Off the Field
Fournette has had a few run-ins with the law. In April 2017, he was cited for negligent driving after causing an accident; and, in August 2018, he was pulled over and charged with speeding and driving with a suspended license. He has also had problems with his weight; at one point, during his rookie season, he weighed over 280 pounds (130 kg).
