With Jim Leonhard taking over as interim coach of the University of Wisconsin football team, take a look back at the State Journal's coverage of key moments in his journey from Badgers walk-on to the NFL and back to Madison, where he now is charged with leading the team into a new era.
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Leonhard? The easy way? Forget it. There's a reason why the word hard is embedded right in the guy's name. The hard way is the only way he knows.
Former Badgers safety Jim Leonhard has helped teach so many players at the school, he should apply for tenure.
Leonhard played for the Badgers from 2001-04 and spent 10 years in the NFL.
Leonhard replaces Justin Wilcox, who left to become the head coach at Cal.
For Jim Leonhard, would allure of Packers, NFL be enough to make him leave the ‘dream job’ he loves?
An NFL source confirmed Packers coach Matt LaFleur was set to talk with Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard about the Packers’ vacant position, though it was unclear when that conversation was going to take place and just how intensely Leonhard was pursuing the opportunity.
“It was me choosing UW,” Jim Leonhard told the State Journal Saturday morning. “I want to stay at UW. I want to be at this level right now. Extremely flattered. Awesome opportunity. But it was not the right time for me to go back to the NFL.”
The former Wisconsin walk-on who had a 10-year NFL career is tasked with leading the Badgers after Paul Chryst's firing.
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Photos: Former Wisconsin football star, interim coach Jim Leonhard through the years
UNLV's Troy Mason, left, turns after making a first quarter reception as Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard defends Aug. 31, 2002 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.
Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard returns a punt for 31 yards against UNLV in the second half Sept. 11, 2004. Leonhard became Wisconsin's all-time career punt return yardage leader on the return. Wisconsin won 18-3.
Baltimore punt returner Jim Leonhard (36) returns the ball against Cleveland linebacker Beau Bell (58) and safety Ryan Pontbriand (64) Sept. 21, 2008.
Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) drags Baltimore safety Jim Leonhard (36) as he runs for extra yards on Nov. 16, 2008.
Baltimore safety Jim Leonhard runs after intercepting the ball during an AFC wild-card game against the Miami Dolphins Jan. 4, 2009.
Jets safety Jim Leonhard gestures toward teammate Darrelle Revis, not pictured, during training camp Aug. 3, 2011.
Jets' Jim Leonhard, left, runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals Aug. 21, 2011.
Buffalo outside linebacker Manny Lawson, right, celebrates a fumble recovery with teammate Jim Leonhard Nov. 17, 2013.
Buffalo's Jim Leonard runs with an interception against the New York Jets Sept. 22, 2013.
Cleveland defensive back Jim Leonhard intercepts a pass from Buffalo quarterback Kyle Orton Nov. 30, 2014.
Denver free safety Jim Leonhard stands on the field during a break against the Baltimore Ravens Dec. 16, 2012.
Jets' Jim Leonhard talks to reporters in the Jets' locker room on Jan. 2, 2012.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard holds a football before a game against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 9, 2017.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard against New Mexico Sept. 8, 2018.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard against New Mexico Sept. 8, 2018.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard against New Mexico Sept. 8, 2018.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches against New Mexico Sept. 8, 2018.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches against Penn State Sept. 4, 2021.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard talks with game officials during the second against Illinois Saturday.
Jim Leonhard returns an interception against Indiana during happier times, before the team gave up a huge lead. The Wisconsin Badgers took on the Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 12, 2002, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
Jim Leonhard takes it to the house as he returns a punt for a 63-yard touchdown late in the game to tie Purdue. The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 26-23 Oct. 18, 2003, at Camp Randall Stadium.
Jim Leonhard and the Badgers felt at home in Tucson, Arizona. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 9-7 September 18, 2004.
Jim Leonhard (18) of the Badgers returns a punt against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
Badgers Jim Leonhard exits the field after setting a new record in all-time punt returns.
Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard during pregame warmups before the Badgers host New Mexico State Sept. 17. Leonhard has been promoted to head coach with the firing of Paul Chryst, right.
Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard embraces safety D'Cota Dixon (14) after a defensive touchdown during the first half of the 2017 Big Ten Football Championship against Ohio State.
From his time representing the Badgers as a player, to a pro career and returning to Madison as a coach, here is Jim Leonhard's career through…
