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Matt Leo
Matt Leo
Matt Leo
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Matthew Leo[1] (born 8 May 1992) is an Australian former American football defensive end and coach who is a player development assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones and spent three seasons with the Eagles as a player, joining them through the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Matthew Leo was born on 8 May 1992 in Adelaide, South Australia,[2][3] and raised in the suburb of Semaphore. He played Australian rules football for St Michael's College, Adelaide, in year 10.[4] However his passion was rugby league and he played for a club in Adelaide.[5] Matt is of Rotuman descent from his paternal side.

He worked as a plumber before playing American football professionally.[6][7][8] He went to college at Arizona Western College[9] before going to Iowa State, making his debut at the age of 26.[10][8] He was a medical redshirt in 2017.[11][12][13] He had 33 tackles and 3 sacks in his college football career.[14][8] He was named first-team Academic All-Big 12 in 2019.[15]

Professional career

[edit]

On 27 April 2020, Leo was allocated to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the International Player Pathway Program.[16][17][18][19][20] He was waived during final roster cuts on 4 September 2020,[21] and signed to the practice squad under an international player exemption two days later.[22][23] He signed a reserve/future contract with the team after the season on 4 January 2021.[24]

Leo was selected by the Edmonton Elks in the fourth round (35th overall) of the 2021 CFL Global Draft in April 2021.[25] On 4 May 2021, he was given an NFL roster exemption as an international player for a second season.[26]

On 31 August 2021, Leo was waived by the Eagles and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[27][28] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on 18 January 2022.[29]

On 30 August 2022, Leo was waived by the Eagles and signed to the practice squad the next day.[30][31] On 15 February 2023, Leo signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles.[32]

Post-playing career

[edit]

On 25 July 2023, Leo announced his retirement from the NFL.[33] Soon after, he was hired as a defensive and football operations assistant on the coaching staff.[34] On 9 June 2024, Leo was promoted to the role of player development assistant.[35]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matt Leo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matt Leo (born May 8, 1992) is an Australian former professional who played for the in the () and now works as a player development assistant for the team. Born and raised in , , specifically in the suburb of , Leo initially pursued a career as a , nearly completing his by 2014 before quitting after a physically demanding job prompted him to rediscover his passion for sports. Growing up, he played rugby for a club team and in high school at St. Michael's College, but entered his life later through inspiration from the TV series Friday Night Lights and a friend's mention of Australian punters in the U.S. Leo's American football journey began in 2014 with backyard training in Australia, leading to a walk-on opportunity at Arizona Western Community College, where he earned a as a . He transferred to in 2017, appearing in 29 games over three seasons, recording 3 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, and earning First-Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2019 while earning a degree in liberal studies. In April 2020, at age 27, he signed with the through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, spending four seasons primarily on the practice squad with an international exemption, contributing to the team's defense during their run to in 2022, though he never appeared in a regular-season game. Leo retired from playing in July 2023 at age 31 and transitioned into the Eagles' as a defensive and football operations assistant during that year, advancing to his current role as player development assistant in 2024 to mentor international and young players, and contributing to their championship victory in 2025. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 280 pounds, his unique path from in to the exemplifies the league's global outreach efforts.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Matthew Leo was born on May 8, 1992, in , . He grew up in the suburb, a coastal area near known for its working-class community. The son of Michael and Margaret Leo, he experienced a childhood shaped by familial economic difficulties that influenced his early career decisions. These hardships prompted Leo to pursue a practical trade after completing high school, leading him to start a plumbing apprenticeship at age 18 to help support his family. Despite the financial strains, his mother Margaret offered unwavering encouragement, demonstrating her commitment by traveling from to the to attend his college games, including Iowa State's Senior Day against in 2018. Leo's early years also included exposure to popular Australian sports, such as through club play and during his school years.

Schooling and early athletic interests

Matt Leo attended St. Michael's College in , , where he completed his . During his time there, particularly in , he participated in as part of the school's sports program. His early athletic interests extended beyond school, as he developed a strong passion for , playing for a local club team throughout his youth and adolescence. He also engaged in club rugby, reflecting the dominant sports culture in that emphasized physical, contact-based games like these over . Following his graduation from St. Michael's College, Leo pursued a practical trade career influenced by his family's economic circumstances, beginning a four-year as a with Hindmarsh Services. His daily routine was demanding, starting with workouts at 3:30 a.m. before heading to large sites, where he performed tasks such as digging holes, sweeping, and installing systems on projects that often lasted six months to a year. This fully occupied his time and energy, leaving little room for extracurricular pursuits beyond his early morning training sessions, and he was just six months from when he decided to pivot toward . Leo's interest in American football emerged relatively late, at around age 20, due to the limited exposure in Australia's sports landscape, where rugby and overshadowed gridiron. The spark came in 2013 during a break at TAFE in , when he watched the defeat the in the , an event that ignited his fascination with the sport. This moment, combined with the story of fellow Australian Jesse Williams reaching the , motivated Leo to explore American football despite his lack of prior experience.

College football career

Time at Arizona Western College

In 2015, at the age of 23, Matt Leo relocated from to the to pursue a career in , motivated by his background as a and a desire to escape a conventional trade life. He enrolled as a walk-on at in , where he played as a for two seasons from 2015 to 2016. Upon arrival, Leo stood at 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) tall and weighed approximately 265 lb, attributes that quickly drew attention despite his lack of prior organized football experience. He initially covered his own expenses while adapting to the sport, starting on special teams before transitioning to a more prominent role on the defensive line. Leo's late entry into football presented significant challenges, including mastering fundamental rules and techniques after only playing rugby in , as well as navigating cultural differences and the isolation of being far from home. He faced moments of doubt, such as visa complications and the temptation to return to , but persisted through rigorous training under Tom Minnick. In 2015, Leo appeared in 11 games as a walk-on, recording 3 tackles. In 2016, he earned a and demonstrated rapid improvement, recording 17 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 11 games, along with 1 fumble recovery. His performances helped him develop into a three-star recruit and highlighted his potential as a pass rusher despite his unconventional path.

Career at Iowa State University

Matt Leo transferred to in 2017 at the age of 25, following two seasons at , and received a medical redshirt that year after appearing in three games without recording statistics. As a for the , he transitioned to Division I competition, making his debut in 2018 at age 26 and contributing over the next two seasons from 2018 to 2019. During his time at Iowa State, Leo appeared in 29 career games, primarily as a reserve player, and amassed 33 total tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. His most productive season came in 2018, when he recorded 19 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks while playing in all 13 games. In 2019, as a redshirt senior, he served as a key reserve on the defensive line, participating in all 13 games and registering 14 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack. Academically, Leo excelled, earning first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2019 after achieving a 4.0 GPA in his final semester to complete his . A notable personal milestone occurred during the Cyclones' Senior Day game against in November 2019, when his mother, Margaret, traveled from to attend and watch him play. Upon arriving at Iowa State, Leo had bulked up significantly from his junior college days, weighing approximately 280 pounds at 6-foot-7, which enhanced his presence on the defensive line.

Professional playing career

Tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles

Matt Leo signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on May 4, 2020, after being acquired through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program on April 27, 2020. As a standing 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) tall and weighing 280 lb (127 kg), Leo brought a unique background from his college career at , where his performance qualified him for the international program aimed at developing elite athletes from outside the . Throughout his tenure, Leo navigated repeated roster adjustments while contributing on the . He was waived by the Eagles on September 4, 2020, but signed to their two days later on September 6, 2020. In January 2021, he secured a reserve/, only to be waived again on August 31, 2021, before rejoining the on September 2, 2021. This pattern continued into 2022, with a reserve/ signed on January 18, 2022, a on August 30, 2022, and subsequent placement on the . As an international player, Leo did not count against the standard limits, allowing him to serve as an extra member focused on developmental reps. Following the 2022 season, Leo signed another reserve/futures contract with the Eagles on February 15, 2023. He was waived on July 25, 2023, and announced his retirement from playing. Leo never appeared in a regular-season game during his time with the Eagles from 2020 to 2023, instead providing valuable practice opposition, particularly in pass-rush drills, to help prepare the starting defense. His role highlighted the potential of the International Player Pathway Program, positioning him as a trailblazer for Australian athletes aspiring to NFL rosters by demonstrating persistence amid roster battles and the challenges of adapting to professional American football.

Involvement with the Edmonton Elks

In April 2021, Matt Leo was selected by the in the fourth round, 35th overall, of the CFL Global Draft. This selection occurred while Leo was already part of the organization, having joined them in 2020 through the NFL's International Player Pathway program. Despite the draft pick, Leo did not sign a contract with the Elks or appear in any games for the team. He remained on the Eagles' throughout the , continuing his development there as an international exemption player. The Elks' selection highlighted Leo's potential as a 6-foot-7 from , offering him an additional avenue in professional football beyond the . For international talents like Leo, such drafts represent key opportunities to attract interest from multiple leagues, building on pathways like the NFL's program that facilitated his American entry.

Coaching career

Transition to coaching

After spending several seasons on the ' , which provided him with valuable insights into team operations and player preparation, Matt Leo announced his retirement from professional football on July 25, 2023, and was placed on the team's Reserve/Retired list. The decision stemmed from the challenges of repeated waivers and the competitive depth on the Eagles' defensive line, which limited his opportunities to secure a regular-season role despite his dedication as a long-shot international player. Recognizing Leo's potential to contribute in other ways, Eagles Howie and head coach offered him an immediate transition into coaching to leverage his firsthand playing experience for player development. On August 7, 2023, the Eagles officially named Leo as a defensive and football operations assistant, allowing him to join the staff during . In this initial role, Leo focused on and on-field support, assisting defensive linemen such as and by breaking down opponent tendencies and reviewing their own performances to enhance preparation. His seamless integration into the coaching staff under Sirianni was bolstered by strong relationships with current players, enabling him to bridge the gap between the locker room and coaching efforts effectively.

Current role and contributions

In June 2024, Matt Leo was promoted to player development assistant with the , marking a progression from his initial role as defensive and football operations assistant. Entering his second season in this position in 2025, Leo's work focuses on nurturing emerging talent and operational support within the organization. Leo's responsibilities include assisting with player development programs, contributing to defensive operations, and supporting the NFL's international player initiatives, leveraging his background as an inaugural participant in the International Player Pathway Program. His efforts have been recognized by teammates, who praised his insightful contributions during the 2023 training camp, highlighting his seamless transition and value to the coaching staff. As part of the Eagles' staff, Leo played a role in the team's triumphant 2024 season, culminating in a 40-22 victory over the in on February 9, 2025, securing the franchise's second championship. Continuing to reside and work in the United States, Leo embodies the pioneering spirit of Australian athletes in the , inspiring further global participation in the league.

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241264/matt-leo
  2. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/front-office/matt-leo
  3. https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/29753/matt-leos-improbable-journey-from-aussie-plumber-to-the-nfl
  4. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-defensive-end-matt-leo-decides-retire/529825/
  5. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/from-plumbing-to-clogging-gaps-the-incredible-story-of-new-eagles-de-matt-leo
  6. https://cyclones.com/sports/football/roster/matt-leo/10279
  7. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/players-roster/matt-leo-x8069/
  8. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/super-bowl-lix/
  9. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeoxMa00.htm
  10. https://media.eagles.1rmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/18092000/Leo-Matt-2021.pdf
  11. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/a-greek-god-who-grew-up-playing-rugby-league-in-adelaide-is-the-latest-aussie-to-earn-nfl-shot/news-story/fac6d4ff9585bc6e91ecdfc17ed98cda
  12. https://media.eagles.1rmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/28154507/Leo-Matt-2023.pdf
  13. https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/american-sports/former-adelaide-plumber-matt-leo-joins-nfl-club-philadelphia-eagles-five-years-after-leaving-sa-to-enter-us-college-football-ranks/news-story/d3cc32125ddd796068b1a0e8e9a448fa
  14. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nfl/how-adelaide-smoko-eventually-led-to-nfl-leap-for-leo-20200501-p54owo.html
  15. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/football/2017/01/21/matt-leo-iowa-state-football-plumber-playmaker-australia-matt-campbell/96768384/
  16. https://cyclonefanatic.com/2017/08/matt-leos-journey-from-australia-to-ames-just-started-as-a-dream/
  17. https://247sports.com/player/matt-leo-92078/
  18. https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/308661/matt-leos-improbable-journey-from-aussie-plumber-to-the-nfl
  19. https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2020/04/how-friday-night-lights-helped-pave-the-way-for-matt-leo-to-join-the-philadelphia-eagles.html
  20. https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/former-plumber-australian-matt-leo-headed-to-the-philadelphia-eagles/
  21. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matt-leo-2.html
  22. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/48237/matt-leo
  23. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/players-roster/matt-leo-x8069/splits/2024/pre/
  24. https://www.nfl.com/players/matt-leo/
  25. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-sign-15-players-to-the-practice-squad
  26. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/transactions/2023
  27. https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2023/7/25/23807806/eagles-news-try-out-free-agents-nkeal-harry-matt-leo-retirement-wide-receiver-philadelphia-nfl
  28. https://www.goelks.com/2021/04/15/ee-football-team-selects-four-2021-global-draft/
  29. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/players-roster/matt-leo-x8069/logs/2022/reg/
  30. https://www.goelks.com/all-time-roster/
  31. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-agree-to-terms-2021-practice-squad
  32. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-name-matt-leo-defensive-and-football-operations-assistant
  33. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/from-player-to-coach-eagles-matt-leo-making-a-difference/541819/
  34. https://www.profootballrumors.com/2024/06/eagles-announce-numerous-updates-to-front-office
  35. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/eagles-announce-promotions-job-title-changes-front-office-big-dom-disandro-nfl-2024/
  36. https://www.si.com/nfl/eagles/news/the-eagles-exec-helping-to-turn-developmental-players-into-contributors-01j6dnfhhwqj
  37. https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401671889/chiefs-eagles
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