MONROE, Mo. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Tech community mourns the loss of Leo Sanford, the Bulldog football star who dominated this field 80 years ago and spent the rest of his life investing in those around him. I'm reading.
Sanford was a two-time all-conference selection as a center and linebacker at Louisiana Tech, where he was an All-American in 1950 and was a linebacker on the legendary All-Louisiana football team.
University President Dr. Jim Henderson, who was an All-American football player at Louisiana Tech in the '40s, said Sanford embodies what it means to be a Bulldog.
“As a legendary figure in the story of the '40s Bulldog teams, he left an indelible mark on our university,” Henderson said. “The life he lived over the next several decades exemplified the tenets we hold so dear, especially loyalty. I am forever grateful for his contributions to technology and the example that all Bulldogs should follow.”
In 2018, Sanford established the largest endowed scholarship in Louisiana Tech history. This scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student-athlete.
“Leo influenced so many people over the years,” said Dr. Les Giese, a former Louisiana Tech University president and close friend of Sanford and his wife, Myrna, who passed away in 2018. He is a great supporter and ambassador of our institution. He played a huge role in developing our reputation nationally. ”
Sanford left his mark on the track and field world. He played at Fair Park High School in Shreveport before becoming a football star at Louisiana Tech University. He was a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Ark. Latex Museum of Champions, and the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame.
During his time in the NFL, Sanford became a Pro Bowl player for the Chicago Cardinals. Then in Baltimore he was a member of the Colts, and Sanford along with Johnny Unitas he was part of his team that won the 1958 NFL Championship.
His NFL career ended after eight years.
“It has been an honor to know Leo. He has achieved everything we expect from our Bulldog student-athletes,” said Tech University head football coach Sonny Cumbie. “He was a threat on the field, but he fought with sportsmanship on every play. He is an ideal teammate, always a gentleman and a servant on and off the field. He is someone we should follow. He left behind a wonderful legacy.”
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame President Doug Ireland said Sanford is one of Louisiana's greatest football players and represents all of Louisiana's great leaders.
“He was truly loved by all who knew him, and his impact on countless lives was profound and inspirational. Knowing Leo Sanford will make you a better… , it made me a happier person,” Ireland said.
Ireland said Sanford was a great friend and family member.
“There was no one more engaging, more engaging, more encouraging, more gracious to offer advice and wisdom when asked,” Ireland said. “Leo was a man of faith and principle, a man of deeds rather than words, and a staunch friend and supporter of many causes and organizations.”
In 1983, Sanford received the Outstanding American Award from the NFF and Hall of Fame at the Independence Bowl. Missy Setters, Independence Bowl executive director, said Sanford understood the essence of football and used it to serve the community.
“Mr. Sanford represents everything about the game of football and how it translates into a life of making a difference in the community,” Setters said. “From his days at Fair Park to Los Angeles Tech, the NFL, and back to his home community, he had a tremendous impact on so many people throughout his life, including his contributions at the Independence Bowl. It was a generation that gave so much to the community.”
Mr. Sanford served as president of the NFF Shreveport Chapter for 40 years. NFF Executive Director Toni Goodin said the world was a better place because of him.
“This community and many others are much better off because of his love of soccer and developing leaders through soccer,” Goodin said. “He helped shape me and so many others as leaders. I can forever talk about Leo.”
Tech Athletics Hall of Famer Mike McConathy said Sanford always made him feel like “somebody” simply because he was a Bulldog.
“If he did that for me, I know he has had the same impact on countless others. For me, the word that best describes him is 'Loyalty.' 'True Blue,''' McConathy said.
Sanford had a lifelong love for the Christian Athletes fellowship. Terry Slack, FCA director and multiple Louisiana Tech football letterman, said Leo was a reassuring person.
“When I met him, he always had words of encouragement about God's ministry,” Slack said. “Mr. Leo was always talking about what was going on in tech, and I don't recall anything negative being said at any point.
Slack said Sanford knew how to communicate better than anyone.
“Mr. Leo had a special way of communicating,” Slack said. “If he was talking to me, all his attention was focused on me. I'm sure he was like that with everyone. You said something important. Mr. Leo will be missed by all of us. He left a “footprint” wherever he went. ”
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