History of Leonard Fournette in Timeline

Leonard Fournette is an American professional football running back currently in the NFL. He gained prominence playing college football for the LSU Tigers. His exceptional performance led to him being drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has played for multiple teams in the NFL and is known for his powerful running style.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1978: School Record

In 1978, Charles Alexander established a school record that Leonard Fournette later tied.

January 18, 1995: Leonard Fournette Born

On January 18, 1995, Leonard Joseph Fournette III was born. He later became a professional football running back.

2004: School Record

In 2004, Alley Broussard rushed for a school record of 250 yards against Ole Miss.

2004: Last Louisiana Player Selected as USA Today Offensive Player of the Year Before Fournette

In 2004, Ryan Perrilloux was the last player from Louisiana before Leonard Fournette in 2013 to be selected as USA Today Offensive Player of the Year.

2005: Hurricane Katrina Impact

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina significantly impacted Leonard Fournette's life, leading to his family's relocation and eventual return, which he credits with kick-starting his football career.

2013: USA Today High School Football Offensive Player of the Year

In 2013, Leonard Fournette was awarded the USA Today High School Football Offensive Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance in high school football.

2013: Louisiana's Mr. Football

In 2013, Leonard Fournette was named Louisiana's Mr. Football by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, recognizing his outstanding high school football performance.

August 30, 2014: Collegiate Debut

On August 30, 2014, Leonard Fournette made his collegiate debut for LSU against the Wisconsin Badgers.

November 2014: 100+ Yards Rushing Game Streak

In late November 2014, Leonard Fournette began a streak of nine consecutive 100+ yards rushing games.

2014: Committed to LSU

In 2014, Leonard Fournette announced his commitment to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) for college football.

2014: Attended LSU

In 2014, Leonard Fournette began his college football career at Louisiana State University (LSU).

2014: High Expectations Entering College

In 2014, Leonard Fournette entered college with significant hype after a successful high school football career.

2015: Texas Bowl Performance

In 2015, Leonard Fournette rushed for 212 yards and scored five total touchdowns in the Texas Bowl as LSU defeated Texas Tech.

2015: All-American Selection

In 2015, Leonard Fournette was a consensus All-America selection after his sophomore season at LSU.

December 5, 2016: Declared for NFL Draft

On December 5, 2016, Leonard Fournette declared his intention to enter the 2017 NFL draft.

2016: Played at LSU

In 2016, Leonard Fournette concluded his college football career at Louisiana State University (LSU).

May 17, 2017: Signed with Jaguars

On May 17, 2017, Leonard Fournette signed a four-year, $27 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including an $18 million signing bonus.

September 10, 2017: Regular Season Debut

On September 10, 2017, Leonard Fournette made his regular season debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans.

2017: AFC South Champions

In 2017, Leonard Fournette and the Jaguars clinched the AFC South with a 10-6 record.

2017: Enters the NFL Draft

In 2017, Leonard Fournette declared for the NFL draft after his coach advised him to skip the 2016 Citrus Bowl to avoid injury.

2017: Fournette Drafted to NFL

In 2017, Leonard Fournette was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft after a successful college football career.

2018: 2018 Season Stats

In 2018, Leonard Fournette finished the season with 439 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 22 receptions for 185 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.

2018: NFL Top 100

In 2018, Leonard Fournette was ranked 58th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2019: 2019 Season

In the 2019 season, Fournette rushed for 1,152 yards and three touchdowns, along with 76 receptions for 522 receiving yards.

May 1, 2020: Fifth-Year Option Declined

On May 1, 2020, the Jaguars declined the fifth-year option on Leonard Fournette's contract.

June 8, 2020: Led Peaceful Protest

On June 8, 2020, Leonard Fournette led a peaceful march to protest the murder of George Floyd in Jacksonville.

August 31, 2020: Fournette Waived by Jaguars

On August 31, 2020, Leonard Fournette was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars after they were unable to trade him.

September 6, 2020: Signed with Buccaneers

On September 6, 2020, Leonard Fournette signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2020: 2020 Season with Buccaneers

During the 2020 season, Leonard Fournette recorded 97 carries for 367 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 233 receiving yards, while playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

March 31, 2021: Re-Signed with Buccaneers

On March 31, 2021, Leonard Fournette re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal worth $3.25 million.

April 2021: Jersey Number Change

In April 2021, Leonard Fournette changed his jersey number to 7 after the NFL rule change, a number he previously wore at LSU.

December 23, 2021: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 23, 2021, Leonard Fournette was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.

2021: Signed with Complexity Gaming

In 2021, Leonard Fournette signed with Complexity Gaming.

2021: Starter for the Buccaneers

In 2021, Leonard Fournette was the primary starter for most of the season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2021: Free Agent Status

In 2021, Leonard Fournette would have been a free agent had the Jaguars not waived him.

January 22, 2022: Activated from Injured Reserve

On January 22, 2022, Leonard Fournette was activated from injured reserve.

March 23, 2022: Re-signed with Buccaneers

On March 23, 2022, Leonard Fournette re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a three-year, $21 million contract.

2022: Starter for the Buccaneers

In 2022, Leonard Fournette was the primary starter for most of the season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

March 17, 2023: Released by Buccaneers

On March 17, 2023, Leonard Fournette was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

June 27, 2023: Car Fire Incident

On June 27, 2023, Leonard Fournette's car caught fire near Tampa, Florida. He escaped unharmed.

October 31, 2023: Signed with Bills practice squad

On October 31, 2023, Leonard Fournette signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad.

2023: Fournette Played for Buffalo Bills

In 2023, after being released by the Buccaneers, Leonard Fournette played in two games for the Buffalo Bills.

January 16, 2024: Released by Bills

On January 16, 2024, Leonard Fournette was released by the Buffalo Bills.