Mike McLeod (2005) - Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics

Mike McLeod

Induction:
2005
Class:
1979

Mike McLeod- Football, 1976-79 Years at MSU: 1976-79 Honors Earned: Second-team All-Big Sky Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming “Mike was not just a good player. He was a great player. I can remember when he came to Montana State, that right away you knew he was something special. He worked hard, he was a pleasure to have in the program, and he was a great person.” –Former MSU Coach Sonny Lubick Anyone asked about Mike McLeod’s time in the Bobcat program usually mentions his speed. But usually not first. “Mike McLeod is just a great person,” says Sonny Holland, the former Bobcat head coach. “He was a great representative of this program as a player, and he’s a great representative of this program as a member of our community.” McLeod was lauded in the Bobcat Football Media Guide his senior season as possessing “the knack for coming up with the big play- a key interception that can turn a game around.” McLeod’s five career interceptions was solid in a time when most teams were intent on running the football. None were bigger, however, than the pick he made against Idaho State in 1979. With MSU up 7-0 early in the second quarter and the game hanging in the balance, McLeod intercepted a pass from current Arizona State head coach Dirk Koetter and returned it 89 yards for a touchdown. Not only did that play change the game, leading to a Bobcat blowout, and not only did it set the school record for longest interception return, it broke the 20-year old record in that category held by his father, Jim, also an outstanding Bobcat. Following his days as a Bobcat, Mike McLeod played for Edmonton in the CFL and for Green Bay in the NFL.