After 13 seasons in the NFL, S Rodney McLeod Jr. has 60 minutes of playing time left before he calls it a career.
McLeod, who is in his second season with the Browns, announced his intentions to retire ahead of the 2024 season. As he prepares to suit up for one final game when the Browns take on the Ravens in Week 18, McLeod is soaking in his last week of practice and game preparation as a professional football player.
"I'm just staying present, just living in the moment, to be honest," McLeod said. "Taking things one day at a time and really just cherishing every single day that I have left. It's hard for me to look ahead but just looking forward to preparing for one last week with my guys in order to walk away with a victory."
In 13 seasons, McLeod has made 182 appearances, tallying 18 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 755 total tackles.
Yet, as he reflected on his career, McLeod said he would miss the time spent in the locker room the most. From laughing with teammates to providing younger players with career advice, some of McLeod's favorite moments from his career came off the field.
His mentorship of younger players has been an important part of his role with the Browns, in addition to his contributions on game day. As a former undrafted player who built a 13-year career and won a Super Bowl title in the process in 2017, McLeod hopes that his younger teammates will use his story as motivation throughout their careers.
"Always be ready for your moment and seize moments that are presented to you," McLeod said. "I think I am a perfect example of that, coming in undrafted and not necessarily knowing if tomorrow existed for me. Just putting it all on the line and when presented with a moment for me to showcase my abilities and show my work, I took full advantage of that."
McLeod's leadership has made a significant impact during his two seasons in Cleveland, as has his performance on the field. This season, McLeod has played in all 16 games, making four starts. In addition to four passes defensed and 37 total tackles, McLeod has two touchdowns this season – a career-high for the veteran safety.
In Week 4 against the Raiders, McLeod picked up a loose ball caused by LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, sprinting 25 yards down the sideline for the score. Two weeks later, in Week 6 against the Eagles, McLeod returned a blocked field goal – caused by DE Myles Garrett – 50 yards for a touchdown to end the first half.
McLeod's ability to make plays when called upon as well as the way he leads by example has earned the respect of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
"He's a pro's pro. He's a joy to coach. He brings it every single day. He's a tremendous leader," Stefanski said. "And all the superlatives that I say about him as a football player, he's a better person. (…) I'm a big Rod McLeod fan."
McLeod said he isn't sure quite what his future holds after his football career concludes. Recently becoming a father in 2024, McLeod is looking forward to spending time with his seven-month-old daughter, his wife, Erika, and the rest of his family.
One option, McLeod said, is to take his talents to the world of sports media. When he joined the Browns in the 2023 offseason, McLeod began hosting "Dawgs Only," a player-led podcast on the Browns Podcast Network. Featuring conversations with his teammates and other members of the Browns organization, McLeod spoke about life in the NFL, family values and other important topics.
"We'll see if the other side of the camera is for me," McLeod said.
For now, however, McLeod's focus is on preparing for his final game in Week 18 against the Ravens – one he is determined to win. While he's expecting to be emotional after the final whistle blows, McLeod is committed to taking his last week in the NFL one day at a time.
"What's most important to me right now is figuring out a way to win," McLeod said. "I'm just going to let things take their course and we'll see how it all unfolds."
