Ryan Leaf age and career overview
Ryan Leaf is a former National Football League (NFL) quarterback born on February 22, 1976, making him 48 years old as of 2025. He played college football at Washington State University and was selected second overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 NFL Draft. Leaf later played for the Dallas Cowboys and briefly returned in the 2007 season with the New Orleans Saints. His career was marked by early promise followed by well-documented challenges off the field. This profile explains Leaf’s key career dates, his current circumstances, and provides a concise reference for understanding his legacy in professional football.
Key biographical and career facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ryan Philip Leaf | Official records |
| Date of birth | February 22, 1976 | Public biographies |
| Age (as of 2025) | 48 years old | Calculated from birth date |
| College | Washington State University | NCAA archives |
| Draft year and pick | 1998, 2nd overall | NFL Draft records |
| Teams | Chargers, Cowboys, Saints | NFL transaction logs |
| Last NFL activity | 2007 preseason with New Orleans Saints | Team announcements |
College career and 1997 season
Leaf attended Washington State University, where he set multiple school passing records and became a two-time consensus All-American. In 1997, his senior season, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the Cougars to a midseason No. 1 ranking and a bowl appearance. His performance earned unanimous All-American honors and made him a consensus top-tier prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
NFL career trajectory
Drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the second overall pick in 1998, Leaf entered the league amid high expectations. His early years with the Chargers included periods of inconsistency and limited playing time. He was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2002, where he saw occasional action. Leaf’s final NFL opportunities came during the 2007 preseason with the New Orleans Saints, after which he did not return to regular season play.
Post-NFL life and current status
Since retiring from professional football, Leaf has largely lived out of the public spotlight. Public records and credible media reports indicate that he has focused on personal matters away from the game. There have been no verified NFL or professional football roles since his departure from the Saints’ preseason roster in 2007. Leaf remains known for both his athletic potential and the challenges that ultimately curtailed his career.
Notable milestones at a glance
- 1997: Consensus All-American season at Washington State
- 1998: Drafted 2nd overall by the San Diego Chargers
- 1998–2001: Primary quarterback and rotational periods with Chargers
- 2002: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys
- 2007: Final preseason activity with the New Orleans Saints
- 2007–present: No verified return to professional football
Frequently asked questions about Ryan Leaf
Below are concise answers to common questions regarding his age, career, and present circumstances.
- How old is Ryan Leaf? He was born on February 22, 1976, and is 48 years old as of 2025.
- When did his NFL career end? His last documented NFL opportunity was during the 2007 preseason with the New Orleans Saints. He did not return for the regular season or subsequent seasons.
- Is Ryan Leaf currently involved in football? There are no verified roles, commentary positions, or coaching appointments linked to Leaf in professional football since 2007.
- Where does Ryan Leaf live now? No confirmed public information about his current residence is widely available in authoritative sources.
Summary
Ryan Leaf, born February 22, 1976, is 48 years old and last appeared in the NFL during the 2007 preseason. His career included standout college play at Washington State, a high-profile draft, and brief stints with the Chargers, Cowboys, and Saints. Since 2007 he has remained out of professional football, with no verified public updates or official roles. Understanding his age and career timeline helps contextualize a chapter of NFL history defined by both talent and well-documented setbacks.