Leon Lett

About Leon Lett

Leon Lett, Jr. (born October 12, 1968 in Mobile, Alabama), nicknamed The Big Cat, is a former star American football defensive tackle in the NFL who played for the Dallas Cowboys (1991-2000) and the Denver Broncos (2001), after playing college football at Emporia State University. Lett was a two-time Pro Bowler, with selections in 1994 and 1998. He wore jersey number 78 and was 6'6, 292 pounds during his playing days.

Dallas won Super Bowl XXVIII for the "back to back" Super Bowl wins and the undisputed key play to win that Super Bowl, was made by Leon Lett. With the Cowboys trailing 13-6 in the third quarter, Lett, "sliced through the Buffalo line like a knife..." forcing a fumble while tackling running back Thurman Thomas in the backfield on the third play of the drive. Lett had stopped Buffalo's advance and turned the game's momentum back in favor of the Cowboys. Dallas safety James Washington recovered the ball and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown to tie the game, and the Cowboys won 30-13.

Lett was a talented player and a cornerstone of the Cowboys defense during his tenure, but fans will likely remember him for his infamous "bonehead" plays. Two of the top three of ESPN's "25 Biggest Sports Blunders" are attributed to Lett. The fans ranked him #1 and #3, whereas an expert panel placed him at #2 and #3.