Ben Leber's journey in professional football began when he was selected in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. As a linebacker, Leber quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the field. During his rookie season, he started 14 games and recorded 49 tackles, along with five sacks, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the professional level of play.
Leber spent four seasons with the Chargers, where he became known for his consistent performance and ability to read the game. Over his tenure with the team, he accumulated a total of 196 tackles, 12 sacks, and three interceptions. His time in San Diego was marked by steady improvement and a growing reputation as a dependable linebacker.
In 2006, Leber signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued to develop his skills and contribute to the team's defensive efforts. During his five seasons with the Vikings, Leber played in 78 games, starting 74 of them. He was part of a formidable linebacker corps that included Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson, helping to solidify the Vikings' defense.
Leber's tenure with the Vikings was highlighted by his participation in the team's playoff runs, including the 2009 season when the Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game. Throughout his time in Minnesota, he recorded 328 tackles, 12 sacks, and four interceptions, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and effective linebacker.
In 2011, Leber signed with the St. Louis Rams, where he played his final season in the NFL. Although his time with the Rams was brief, he continued to demonstrate his professionalism and experience on the field. After the 2011 season, Leber retired from professional football, concluding a career that spanned a decade.
Throughout his NFL career, Ben Leber was known for his work ethic, intelligence on the field, and ability to perform consistently.
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