Professional Football Player. Born Leonard Emil Rohde, he played the offensive tackle position for fifteen seasons (1960-1974) for the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers. He played football collegiately at Utah State University and was drafted by both the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League and the NFL's 49ers in their respective 1960 drafts. He chose to play for the 49ers and for the first four seasons, he backed up and split time with future Hall of Fame right tackle Bob St. Clair. In 1964, he moved to left tackle and was a mainstay at that position until his retirement in 1974. During his pro career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl once (in 1970) and helped protect the blindside of the 49ers star quarterback John Brodie. He also set the record for the most consecutive games played by a 49er at 208 games. In 1974 he was honored with the team's most courageous and inspirational player award, the Len Eshmont Award. After retiring, he opened several Burger King franchises in the San Francisco Bay Area and was also a majority owner of five Applebee's restaurants.
Professional Football Player. Born Leonard Emil Rohde, he played the offensive tackle position for fifteen seasons (1960-1974) for the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers. He played football collegiately at Utah State University and was drafted by both the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League and the NFL's 49ers in their respective 1960 drafts. He chose to play for the 49ers and for the first four seasons, he backed up and split time with future Hall of Fame right tackle Bob St. Clair. In 1964, he moved to left tackle and was a mainstay at that position until his retirement in 1974. During his pro career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl once (in 1970) and helped protect the blindside of the 49ers star quarterback John Brodie. He also set the record for the most consecutive games played by a 49er at 208 games. In 1974 he was honored with the team's most courageous and inspirational player award, the Len Eshmont Award. After retiring, he opened several Burger King franchises in the San Francisco Bay Area and was also a majority owner of five Applebee's restaurants.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
Advertisement
