Teddy Lehman

Infobox NFLactive


name=Teddy Lehman
|width=
caption=
currentteam=N/A
currentnumber=58
currentposition=Linebacker
birthdate=birth date and age|1981|11|18
birthplace=Tulsa, Oklahoma
heightft=6
heightin=1
weight=238
debutyear=2004
debutteam=Detroit Lions
college=Oklahoma
draftyear=2004
draftround=2
draftpick=37
pastteams=
* Detroit Lions (2004-2007)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008)*
* Detroit Lions (2008-present):*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
status=Minor Injured Reserve
highlights=
* 2x First-team All-Big 12 (2002-2003)
* 2x First-team All-American (2002-2003)
* Butkus Award (2003)
* Bednarik Award (2003)
nfl=LEH296056

Teddy Lehman (born November 18, 1981 in city-state|Tulsa|Oklahoma) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.

Lehman has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Early years

At Fort Gibson High School in Oklahoma, Lehman started at both linebacker and running back, wearing number 34. As a senior, he helped his squad post its best record ever (13-1) and advance to the Class 4A title game.

He ended his senior season with 151 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and three forced fumbles. He ranked third in the state in rushing with 1,252 yards and 16 touchdowns on 206 carries (6.1 avg.) as a running back. He also shared the punting duties for the Tigers with an average of 39.6 which was the top in Class 4A.

He recorded more than 400 tackles and seven interceptions during his career.

College career

In 2002, Lehman replaced departed Dick Butkus Award winner Rocky Calmus as weak-side linebacker, and was more than able to fill his predecessor's shoes. He finished the year with 112 tackles, including two sacks and 17 stops for losses, and garnered accolades from around the country. He was the Chevrolet National Defensive Player of the Year and was one of three finalists for the Butkus Award.

He was also named a first-team All-American selection by various publications, including The NFL Draft Report, the Associated Press, and Sports Illustrated. Lehman was also named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and added All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors from the media and league coaches.

Lehman posted six tackles (five solo) in the Rose Bowl against Washington State and sacked QB Jason Gesser twice for a loss of 17 yards. Both sacks killed scoring drives at the end of the second quarter and were instrumental in securing Oklahoma's first-ever Rose Bowl win.

During the 2003 season, Lehman continued his success from his breakout 2002 campaign. He led the team in tackles, with 117, adding one forced fumble, six pass breakups, and 19 tackles for loss. His 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage broke the school’s season record for linebackers (17, shared by Brian Bosworth in 1986, Torrance Marshall in 1999, and Rocky Calmus in 2000.)

Lehman closed out his college career in the 21-14 Sugar Bowl loss against LSU with eight tackles (six solo) and two stops behind the line of scrimmage, including one sack.

He was named a consensus All-American First-Team selection and a unanimous All-Big 12 Conference first-team choice. He was awarded the Dick Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, as well as the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. Lehman was rated the top outside linebacker pro prospect in the country by The NFL Draft Report.

Professional career

First stint with Lions

Teddy Lehman was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the fifth pick of the second round (37th overall) in 2004.

Lehman was the only rookie linebacker in the NFL to start all 16 games in 2004. He also logged a total of 1,225 plays (1,054 on defense, 171 on special teams), more than any other member of the team. He finished the season with 102 tackles, the second-highest total on the team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an unrestricted free-agent on March 4, 2008. However, he was released on July 25.

econd stint with Lions

On July 26, 2008, Lehman re-signed with the Detroit Lions. His No. 54 taken by Gilbert Gardner, Lehman was assigned No. 58. He was placed on Injured Reserve on August 4. On August 8, he was taken off IR and released.

References

External links

* [http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=221&season=7 Detroit Lions bio]
* [http://www.buccaneers.com/team/playerdetail.aspx?player=Lehman,Teddy,53 Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio]