Leonard Little, a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL), spent his entire professional career with the St. Louis Rams. Born on October 19, 1974, in Asheville, North Carolina, Little attended the University of Tennessee, where he played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. His performance in college caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Rams.
Little's rookie season with the Rams was a period of adjustment as he transitioned from college to professional football. Initially, he played primarily on special teams and as a backup defensive end. However, his speed and agility soon earned him more playing time on the defensive line. By the 1999 season, Little had become an integral part of the Rams' defense, contributing to the team's success in winning Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans.
Throughout his career, Little was known for his ability to rush the passer. His quickness off the line of scrimmage and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him a constant threat to opposing offenses. In 2001, he recorded 14.5 sacks, which ranked among the league leaders and earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. This performance solidified his reputation as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.
Little continued to be a dominant force on the Rams' defensive line over the next several years. He consistently recorded high sack totals, including a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2003. His efforts were recognized with multiple All-Pro selections, highlighting his status as one of the elite defensive players in the league.
Despite his on-field success, Little's career was not without controversy. In 1998, he was involved in a fatal car accident that resulted in the death of a woman. Little was charged with involuntary manslaughter and later pleaded guilty to the charge. He served a brief jail sentence and was suspended by the NFL for the first eight games of the 1999 season. This incident cast a shadow over his career, but he returned to the field determined to focus on football.
Injuries began to take a toll on Little as he entered the latter part of his career. Despite this, he remained a productive player for the Rams, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team's defense. By the time he retired after the 2009 season, Little had amassed 87.5 career sacks, ranking him among the franchise's all-time leaders in that category.
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