As S Rodney McLeod Jr. ran out of the tunnel at M&T Bank Stadium in a Browns uniform one final time, he looked up into the stands to find members of his family.
He saw his loved ones – including his mom, dad, siblings, uncles, cousins and grandma – who each played roles in his NFL career from the very beginning to the end. In that moment, a wave of emotions overcame him as he took in the scene around him.
"It just reminded me of why I'm here in the first place and why I played so long," McLeod said.
McLeod officially played in his final career game in the Browns 35-10 loss to the Ravens in Week 18 of the 2024 season. Ahead of the season, McLeod had announced the 2024 season would be his last. After originally signing by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012, to winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018, he would end his 13-year NFL career.
He went into the season focused on gratitude, and being thankful for all that the game of football has brought to his life. He tried to hold a perspective of being present and in the moment.
McLeod also focused the 2024 season on one word – completion. He wanted to be available from the start of the season to the end. He wanted to complete his rich career. McLeod felt like he accomplished that.
McLeod said he contemplated retirement after the 2023 season. However, after he and his wife, Erika, had a baby girl, Zaia, he returned for another season.
"That's the first child I've had to see me play," McLeod said. "And so, it was just destined. It's unfortunate that the season is ending. I expected to hopefully walk out a champ, but man, I'm still holding my head high. I've won in a lot of areas in my life and just having a 13-year career is a win."
McLeod spent the final two years of his career in Cleveland, joining the Browns ahead of the 2023 season. He finished his two years in Cleveland with 68 tackles, six passes defensed and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. He saw how the city embraced him and felt recognition from the organization as one of the leaders and voices of the team.
"You try to just be yourself every day," McLeod said. "And I feel like it's just a great fit for this locker room, this organization, these fans. And I've just come in again, just being myself and team has accepted me for who I am, respected what I brought to this table. So, man, I'll never forget my years here in Cleveland."
Over his 13-year career, McLeod played in 183 games and earned 148 starts. He recorded 756 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, two sacks, 66 passes defensed, 18 interceptions, one interception returned for a touchdown, 11 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and three fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns.
Now, McLeod is preparing for life off the football field.
"'I'm just going to enjoy freedom," McLeod said. "Being a full-time husband and dad is really what I'm looking forward to right now. And just really reflecting on a long career because when you're in it, I feel like it is hard to do it because you're trying to accomplish so much. You're trying to stay in the moment. I've really trained my mind that way. So, I know this would be a good time for me just to look back on all the memories."
Even though the Browns could not send McLeod out with a win, they honored McLeod with a special celebration at their final walk thru before the team traveled to Baltimore.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz spoke in front of their defense about McLeod before he was carried off the practice field by his teammates. They carried him to the lap pool where they tossed him into the water.
"That was a nice way to send me out," McLeod said. "It felt good, just the way the guys honored me, how much respect they had for me. I didn't really want to make the moment any bigger than what it was, to be honest with you, knowing that we still had a game to play, but it felt good to be seen. And again, for those guys to respect me in the way they do, it means a lot."
But before he stepped off the field for the final time, head coach Kevin Stefanski said they wanted to honor McLeod in one final moment on the field. While he served as a game day captain, he also took the field on the final play of the game.
As the final 30 second ticked down and the Browns kneeled out the game, McLeod was under center to kneel and officially end the game – as well as his NFL career. McLeod didn't know until the Browns were punting on the previous possession he would be serving in that role. It was his first time in an offensive huddle on the field, as well as his last.
"It meant a lot," McLeod said. "Again, I envisioned it, the victory formation, a lot differently with us actually winning the game. But it still was a great way to just show their respect for just the long career I've had, what I meant to this team for the past two years. So very humbled and thankful."
