LaRon Landry
Encyclopedia
LaRon Louis Landry is an American football
strong safety for the Washington Redskins
of the National Football League
. He was drafted
by the Redskins sixth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft
. He played college football
at Louisiana State
. He is the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars
safety Dawan Landry
.
to parents Frank and Rhonda Landry. He has two siblings, Derik and Dawan
, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft
as a strong safety. Landry was raised in Ama, Louisiana
and attended Hahnville High School
in Boutte
. Rivals.com
ranked him the number-five high school athlete in the United States
.
, where he majored in communication studies. Credited with 48 straight starts for the Tigers, Landry finished his career with 315 tackles and 12 interceptions. His 12 interceptions left him with the third-highest total in school history, while his 315 tackles rank seventh in LSU history.
while helping the Tigers win the BCS National Championship. He recorded 80 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, four pass-breakups, and one blocked kick. Landry was named to the Freshman All-SEC
team, Second Team All-SEC and the First-Team Freshman All-American Team.
. Landry registered 70 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and eight pass-breakups. Landry was named a First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American by the Associated Press
and First-Team All-SEC by the SEC coaches.
selected Landry in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft
with the sixth overall pick. He was one of four LSU players taken in the first round of that draft, along with quarterback JaMarcus Russell
, and wide receiver
s Dwayne Bowe
and Craig Davis. On July 22, the Redskins signed Landry to a five-year, $41.5 million contract that included $17.5 million in guarantees.
. The combination at the safety position would be known to Redskins fans as "Area 51", a name derived from the combination of the numbers "21" and "30", the numbers of Taylor and Landry respectively. Landry proved his worth throughout the year without collecting an interception during the regular season, though he was noted for having a problem with disregarding coverage and going for the big hit. He recorded his first half sack in just the second week of the season and recorded his first unassisted sack on November 4 during a week 9 game against the New York Jets
after a clean, full force hit behind the line of scrimmage on quarterback Kellen Clemens
. He recorded his first interception in a Wild Card Playoff game versus the Seattle Seahawks
, in which he recorded five tackles and two interceptions.
Taylor suffered an injury which kept him out of action in Week 11 and 12, and Landry was moved to the free safety position in his place. After Taylor was murdered at his home in Miami on November 27, Landry remained in the free safety position across from strong safety Reed Doughty
. Landry started all 16 games, recording 95 total tackles (65 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles), 1.5 sacks and six passes deflected. His impressive rookie season earned him a 2007 Pro Bowl alternate selection and was selected to the 2007 NFL All-Rookie Defensive Team. He also became the first Redskins rookie defensive player to start all 16 games since Champ Bailey
in 1999.
. He recorded his second regular season interception against the Baltimore Ravens
. Landry finished the season with 65 total tackles and half a sack.
in Week 14. Landry's best statistical performance was in an overtime loss to the then undefeated New Orleans Saints
in Week 13. Landry recorded 12 solo tackles including a sack. Landry also had three pass defenses in that game. Landry finished the season with 90 total tackles including 78 solo tackles.
level" according to The Free-Lance Star. In Week 5, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Green Bay Packers
, in which he collected 13 solo tackles, defended a pass, forced a fumble, and intercepted Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers
in overtime. His interception would lead to the Redskins' game-winning field goal. Landry injured his Achilles tendon playing the Eagles in Week 10, and eventually landed on injured reserve December 13th, ending his season having only played in 9 games.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
strong safety for the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was drafted
NFL Draft
The National Football League Draft is an annual event in which the National Football League teams select eligible college football players and it is their most common source of player recruitment. The basic design of the draft is each team is given a position in the drafting order in reverse order...
by the Redskins sixth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Louisiana State
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
. He is the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
safety Dawan Landry
Dawan Landry
Dawan Frank Landry is an American football safety of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Landry was a successful college safety for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2002 to 2005, and was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Ravens.-College:While at Georgia Tech, he majored in Management...
.
Early life
Landry was born on October 14, 1984 in Metairie, LouisianaMetairie, Louisiana
Metairie is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States and is a major part of the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. Metairie is the largest community in Jefferson Parish. It is an unincorporated area that would be larger than most of the state's cities if it were...
to parents Frank and Rhonda Landry. He has two siblings, Derik and Dawan
Dawan Landry
Dawan Frank Landry is an American football safety of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Landry was a successful college safety for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2002 to 2005, and was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Ravens.-College:While at Georgia Tech, he majored in Management...
, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft
2006 NFL Draft
The 2006 National Football League Draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offered by ESPNU and, for the first time, by...
as a strong safety. Landry was raised in Ama, Louisiana
Ama, Louisiana
Ama is a census-designated place in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. Ama is on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, just west of the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana line...
and attended Hahnville High School
Hahnville High School
Hahnville High School is a public high school in Boutte, Louisiana; about 30 miles southwest of New Orleans. It is part of the St. Charles Parish Public School System, serving all students in that area of the west bank of the Mississippi River in grades 9 through 12. J.B. Martin and R.K...
in Boutte
Boutte, Louisiana
Boutte is a census-designated place in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,181 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Boutte is located at ....
. Rivals.com
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
ranked him the number-five high school athlete in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
College career
Landry attended Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
, where he majored in communication studies. Credited with 48 straight starts for the Tigers, Landry finished his career with 315 tackles and 12 interceptions. His 12 interceptions left him with the third-highest total in school history, while his 315 tackles rank seventh in LSU history.
2003 season
Landry made an immediate impact at LSU, starting ten games as a true freshman in 20032003 LSU Tigers football team
The 2003 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the college football season of 2003–2004. Coached by Nick Saban, the Tigers played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After a bit of controversy, LSU won the BCS National Championship, the first...
while helping the Tigers win the BCS National Championship. He recorded 80 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, four pass-breakups, and one blocked kick. Landry was named to the Freshman All-SEC
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
team, Second Team All-SEC and the First-Team Freshman All-American Team.
2004 season
During his sophomore season, the Tigers finished 16th in the nation, but Landry's standing remained high again. He was named to the All-SEC second team and the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Landry started all twelve games, finishing the season with 92 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, six pass-breakups, and one forced fumble.2005 season
In 2005, LSU won the SEC Western Division and the Peach Bowl over Miami2005 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 2005 Miami Hurricanes football team began the 2005 season ranked #8/9 after a 9-3 campaign in 2004 that ended with a 27-10 win over rival Florida in the 2005 Peach Bowl.-Season:...
. Landry registered 70 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and eight pass-breakups. Landry was named a First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American by the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
and First-Team All-SEC by the SEC coaches.
NFL Draft
The Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
selected Landry in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
with the sixth overall pick. He was one of four LSU players taken in the first round of that draft, along with quarterback JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
, and wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
s Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
and Craig Davis. On July 22, the Redskins signed Landry to a five-year, $41.5 million contract that included $17.5 million in guarantees.
2007 season
At the beginning of the 2007 season, Landry was immediately named the starting strong safety, opposite of Pro Bowl free safety Sean TaylorSean Taylor
Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was an American football free safety who played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Taylor was drafted in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Redskins...
. The combination at the safety position would be known to Redskins fans as "Area 51", a name derived from the combination of the numbers "21" and "30", the numbers of Taylor and Landry respectively. Landry proved his worth throughout the year without collecting an interception during the regular season, though he was noted for having a problem with disregarding coverage and going for the big hit. He recorded his first half sack in just the second week of the season and recorded his first unassisted sack on November 4 during a week 9 game against the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
after a clean, full force hit behind the line of scrimmage on quarterback Kellen Clemens
Kellen Clemens
Kellen Clemens is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. He recorded his first interception in a Wild Card Playoff game versus the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
, in which he recorded five tackles and two interceptions.
Taylor suffered an injury which kept him out of action in Week 11 and 12, and Landry was moved to the free safety position in his place. After Taylor was murdered at his home in Miami on November 27, Landry remained in the free safety position across from strong safety Reed Doughty
Reed Doughty
Reed Doughty is an American football safety for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted in round six, pick 173 of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. Landry started all 16 games, recording 95 total tackles (65 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles), 1.5 sacks and six passes deflected. His impressive rookie season earned him a 2007 Pro Bowl alternate selection and was selected to the 2007 NFL All-Rookie Defensive Team. He also became the first Redskins rookie defensive player to start all 16 games since Champ Bailey
Champ Bailey
Roland "Champ" Bailey is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Bailey was drafted in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Georgia.Bailey is 8th among Broncos in all-time...
in 1999.
2008 season
Landry made his first regular season interception in Week 12 against the Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. He recorded his second regular season interception against the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. Landry finished the season with 65 total tackles and half a sack.
2009 season
Landry appeared in fifteen games for the Redskins and recorded his only interception in a victory over the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in Week 14. Landry's best statistical performance was in an overtime loss to the then undefeated New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
in Week 13. Landry recorded 12 solo tackles including a sack. Landry also had three pass defenses in that game. Landry finished the season with 90 total tackles including 78 solo tackles.
2010 season
After spending the previous two seasons at free safety, Landry was moved back to his natural position of strong safety and started off the season playing at a "Pro BowlPro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
level" according to The Free-Lance Star. In Week 5, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
, in which he collected 13 solo tackles, defended a pass, forced a fumble, and intercepted Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
in overtime. His interception would lead to the Redskins' game-winning field goal. Landry injured his Achilles tendon playing the Eagles in Week 10, and eventually landed on injured reserve December 13th, ending his season having only played in 9 games.
Honors
- 2010 NFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 5)
- 2007 NFC Pro Bowl Alternate
- 2007 First-Team All NFL Rookie Defense
- 2006 First-Team All-American (APAssociated PressThe Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
) - 2006 First-Team All-SEC (AP)
- 2006 First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
- 2006 Thorpe Award Semifinalist
- 2006 Senior Bowl
- 2005 Third-Team All-American (AP)
- 2005 First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
- 2005 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
- 2004 Second-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
- 2004 SEC Academic Honor Roll
- 2003 First-Team Freshmen All-American (FWAAFootball Writers Association of AmericaThe Football Writers Association of America is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA...
, College Football NewsCollege Football NewsCollege Football News is a magazine and website published by College Football News, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. News coverage includes scores, statistics, rankings, and reports on college football games. Analysis includes comparisons between teams, predictions of game outcomes and...
) - 2003 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
- 2003 Freshmen All-SEC Team (SEC Coaches, Knoxville News SentinelKnoxville News SentinelThe Knoxville News Sentinel is a daily newspaper in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA owned by the E. W. Scripps Company. It operates , an award-winning news website....
, The Sporting NewsThe Sporting NewsSporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
)