Browns S Rodney McLeod Jr. is soaking in all the "lasts" as he enters his 13th and final NFL season.
His 12th season ended with disappointment, as McLeod sustained a devastating season-ending biceps injury which required surgery. As he worked through the rehab process, it was unclear if McLeod would return for another season. The veteran's contract was up, meaning he could decide to come back to Cleveland, sign with another team or simply call it a career.
In March 2024, McLeod signed a one-year deal with the Browns. Then in May, on an appearance of NFL Network's "Total Access," McLeod announced the 2024 season would be his last.
"I was excited when I got the call that he was coming back," safeties coach Ephraim Banda said during minicamp in June. "I slept better again. I always tell you, I sleep really good when I know Rod's going to walk through the doors."
Now, each rep, practice, meeting and game will carry a little extra weight for McLeod.
"You're checking everything off the list. It's like, alright, my last conditioning test, my first time having to travel for training camp and my last set of joint practices," McLeod said Wednesday ahead of the Browns' joint practice with the Vikings. "Just enjoying like every single moment of football. Of course, on the grass, but also in the locker room – those are the memories that everyone talks about they miss the most. So, just grateful for another year and I'm taking it one day at a time."
McLeod entered the league under the radar of many teams, going undrafted in 2012 before getting the chance to prove his value with the Rams. The young safety out of Virginia performed up to the Rams' standard across their four preseason games, tallying a forced fumble, a pass defensed and 10 total tackles, earning a spot on their 53-man roster.
Twelve years later, McLeod is a Super Bowl champion, an NFLPA Alan Page Community Award winner and one of the leaders of a high-flying Browns defense with championship aspirations. But he's still not above playing in the preseason, recording a tackle in the Browns' preseason opener against Green Bay.
Some around the NFL have contemplated the value of preseason games, suggesting that an increase in joint practices and decrease in organized games could be safer and more beneficial for a team's starters as they prepare for the regular season. But, as a player whose career was born in the preseason, McLeod understands why the games remain important for those eager to put more film on tape – not just for their current team, but for all 31 other scouting departments watching as roster cuts approach.
"I was one of those guys, undrafted, fighting for a roster spot," McLeod said. "I'll tell you that the game did matter. It was a way for me to show my abilities, my talent and build trust from my team, coaches and teammates. So, super excited for those guys when they get opportunities out there."
McLeod is heralded as a strong leader for the younger players in the Browns locker room, helping guys down the roster navigate the challenges of transitioning to the NFL as they strive towards making the roster. No current Browns player has played more seasons in the NFL than McLeod, and the safety is one of four currently rostered players to get fitted for a Super Bowl ring.
For head coach Kevin Stefanski, a leader of McLeod's caliber is invaluable.
"I'm a huge fan of No. 12," Stefanski said. "He's been great for our culture. He's been great for our team. He played really well for us last year before he was injured. He's an energy multiplier. He's a champion. I can't say enough great superlatives about Rodney and what he means to this team."
McLeod's work ethic serves as a model for younger players eager to make an impact on the field. Known for arriving early to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus early and staying after practice to put in extra work, McLeod still trains like a rookie hungry to make a roster.
"The best thing about Rod is he has such a routine," G Joel Bitonio said. "If any young guy needs to look at, how am I going to play 13 years in this league, look at him. He's there early. He takes care of his body. He's learning. He always has questions when he needs it. But his mentality, just his day-to-day approach is pretty impressive."
McLeod was one of the last Browns on the practice field after Thursday's walkthrough, backpedaling to keep up with an imaginary receiver. Even 13 seasons in, the Browns veteran is determined to play winning football.
His team wants the same.
"We have a goal for the room. We have a goal for the defense," Banda said. "But for Rod, our ultimate goal is to send Rod out a winner. His last game we want it to be a win, bottom line."
