Leo Wisniewski Explained

Leo Wisniewski
Number:69
Position:Nose tackle
Birth Date:November 6, 1959
Birth Place:Hancock, Michigan, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lb:263
High School:Pittsburgh (PA) Fox Chapel Area
College:Penn State
Draftyear:1982
Draftround:2
Draftpick:28
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Sacks
Statvalue1:14.5
Statlabel2:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue2:3
Pfr:WisnLe20

Leo Joseph Wisniewski (born November 6, 1959) is an American former professional football player who was a nose tackle for the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1982 to 1984. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and played in 36 games during his NFL career.

Early life

After going to high school at Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wisniewski attended Pennsylvania State University where he played nose tackle. Over his four years at Penn State he recorded 102 tackles and 11 QB sacks.[1] Leo has been a high school assistant coach in the Pittsburgh PA area for several years, coaching son Stefan at Pittsburgh Central Catholic before his departure for Penn State. In 2013, Leo was a member of the Canon-McMillah High School coaching staff, assisting former Penn State teammate Ron Coder in his first year as a high school head coach.

Professional career

Wisniewski was selected in the second round (28th overall pick) in the 1982 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts.[2] In 1982, Wisniewski spent the first two games of the strike shortened season on injured reserve, but started at nose tackle the final seven. He was credited with 52 total tackles (32 solo) and 2.5 QB sacks.[3] In 1983, Wisniewski played in 15 games (started 14) and made 95 total tackles (50 solo) and 5.0 QB sacks. He missed the game against the Chicago Bears (September 25, 1983) with a strained knee.[4] In 1984, his final year, Wisniewski started in 14 of the 16 games, but missed the final two games on the injured reserve with a knee injury. He made 88 total tackles (51 solo) and 7.0 QB sacks.[5]

Personal life

Leo's brother Steve Wisniewski was a two-time All-American at Penn State as an offensive lineman, and an 8-time Pro Bowler with the Oakland Raiders. Leo's son Stefen is a former guard and center in the NFL.

Notes and References

  1. Baltimore Colts 1982 Media Guide, page 58.
  2. Total Football II; The Official Encyclopedia of the National Football League, Harper Collins Publishers, 1977, page 1497.
  3. Baltimore Colts 1983 Media Guide, page 57.
  4. Indianapolis Colts 1984 Media Guide, page 60.
  5. Indianapolis Colts 1985 Media Guide, pages 69–70.