S Rodney McLeod (6.6.23)
What brought you to Cleveland?
The team. Great deal of talent here. Felt like we have a lot of guys that can contribute to bringing a winning culture. Of course, Jim Schwartz, as well. Being with him in Philly, understanding the defense and knowing what type of man he is and coach, that also helped. And Andrew Berry, as well. So, excited to be here, man. Like I said, it’s a great deal of talent. Brings the best out of you each and every day. So looking forward to continuing to build with these guys and hopefully have a successful season this year.
So when you were with Jim, obviously winning that Super Bowl there, just tell us a little bit about what makes him so good.
Really, his passion, his energy each and every day, holding everybody accountable, demands the most out of you. He holds everybody to a very high standard and that’s what you need in this business to win. And so I think he’s already established that here. And you could tell he’s a culture-shifter. And so I feel like that’s what’s needed. Like I said, he’s going to demand excellence and just an amazing guy.
What was it about that group in Philly?
Yeah, it’s really the culture. We really made it our own there. The players, one, it’s obviously established by the culture, but it’s another thing when the players actually take ownership in it. And you can see that starting to form here.
You signed a little late after that first wave of free agency. So what was that like for you, that waiting period where maybe you didn’t know what was going to happen?
Yeah, it was a lot different than what I’ve experienced a lot earlier in my career. But at the end of the day, I think being with my family, knowing what I was able to do last year, what I was able to put on tape, that God had a plan. And I think he brought me here for a reason. It’s a great alignment, like I said, in Jim, Andrew Berry and the guys who are in this locker room. So I’m happy to be here and excited to really just get out there and win some games this year.
You guys are out there, offense, defense, getting a little chippy at the end. What does that do for you? It’s early on, but does that help keep you guys fired up and ready?
Yeah, it’s just a competitive edge and that’s what you want to see from guys. It means something to them. And over the course of these OTAs, we’ve been a little reserved. So guys are just looking forward to actually getting out there, competing versus one another, making each other better. Iron sharpens iron. So it’s good competitive fun. I love some good trash talking. So you saw a little bit of that today.
The personal protector on the punt team is often the smartest player on the team. Is that something view yourself as?
Yeah, I feel like, I mean, I’m definitely one of the smartest guys. I feel like I got a real good sense of the game, high football IQ. And I think you need somebody, not only at PP, but as a safety as well, who understands the defense, is a good communicator, and can get guys lined up.
You’ve said culture a lot here. How does that get built?
Really, from the players, leaders on the team. And like I said, the best teams that I’ve been around, the most successful teams, you can see that the players really hold the team values close to their heart. They hold everybody accountable. They set the standard each and every day, and they lead by example.
So with you, Juan and Grant, a lot of times you guys will probably use three safeties. What does that do for this defense?
Yeah, I’m excited. I think we’re all playmakers in our own way, and then Jim’s going to find the best way to utilize all of us in our strengths, and that’s what I’m most excited about. It’s a real good room, from the corners to the safeties, linebackers and of course, the d-line. So I think we’re going to make a lot of plays this year. Right now, it’s just about building the chemistry, understanding the defense, and then letting it all hang out when it’s time to go out there and play.
Is there something about Jim Schwartz that makes him a good communicator, good teacher, that maybe guys pick up on things a little quicker under him?
Yeah, he probably is the smartest in the building, to be honest, outside of myself [laughs]. He knows so much. And I think what I love most about Jim is he’s a genuine guy. He really cares about each player. He invests in us and getting to know us. I think when he does challenge you in those moments, you know it’s coming from a good place. He is a talker, he shares a lot of stories, but it’s all because he cares. I’m glad to be back with him this year.
How much can you help the other guys, especially in secondary, since you’re so familiar with this?
Yeah, I’ve been dropping a lot of knowledge on them just over my time being with Jim, five years in Philly, and trying to help them get up to speed a lot quicker. That’s what I can bring to this team outside of my abilities on the field and leadership. But it’s also the knowledge of the scheme and helping guys out in that way, so kind of share a lot of insight.
Do you think that there’s any similarities? I know it’s early stuff, but between your early days in Philly, compared to now?
Yeah, like I said from the cornerback room. I think what helped us win in Philly, was we had great cornerback play and that’s obvious here with Denzel Ward, Greg and also Emerson in the back end. And then you had Delpit and Juan Thornhill. Reminds me a lot of my times with myself and Malcolm. So I think the pieces are there. It’s just now about execution.
How common is it to have a defensive coordinator that likes to coach right at the line of scrimmage?
Yeah, I think it’s won in the trenches, man. Up front, it’s big. Jim stresses that we’re going to lean on the defensive line. We’re going to allow them to attack. They’re going to set the tempo for the team and I think we got the right guys up front to do so. So I’m very excited because that makes our job a lot easier in the back end. They’re applying pressure and we take advantage of it.
What’s it like for you at this stage in your career, coming in kind of knowing you’re being brought in to obviously play still, but also be that guy that sets that tone?
Yeah, it’s a lot different, but I’ve accepted that and understand that’s what’s asked of me this year. I’m just really looking to be an asset to this team, however that looks. If it means coming in for three-safety packages, x-amount of snaps, or if that means eventually being a starter, I’m ready for it all. Just looking to contribute and like I said, help this team win. I’m really fiending for a championship, so that’s my purpose and that’s what I’m here to do.
Malcolm was kind of that leader for you guys in Philly. Did you learn from him?
I learned a lot from Malcolm during my time there, being that close to him in the locker room. And I felt like were both leaders at the same time, but led in different ways. And so when he stepped away, I was asked to be a lot more vocal than maybe I had in the past and really accept that challenge. So somebody that I give a lot of credit for some of my leadership qualities, but yeah, looking to do the same here.
How would you describe Bubba Ventron?
Fiery, still thinks he could play the game, keeps himself in good shape, very knowledgeable, passionate coach. And another guy who really holds everybody to the highest standard possible, and it’s obvious when you see a lot of his work on tape. `I got to see that up close and personal last year, and nothing’s changed since I’ve been here this far.
Do you see things in common between him and Jim and what they bring to the table?
Yeah, I think just from expectations. What they expect out of everybody, they want your best and they demand your best. And they don’t care whether you’re the highest-paid guy on the team or you’re an undrafted rookie. They’re going to treat all guys the same, and they’re going to play the best guys.
Do you think there’s a culture you’ve been a part of that levels up or compares to this?`
Greg Williams. I would say he’s another one that stands out to me as being a real difference maker as a coach and has the ability to be able to change the mindset of a group of men, and that’s hard to do. All, kind of, leading and working towards one common goal, and he possesses those qualities. And like I said, I saw the same thing in Jim, obviously, with us winning the championship and having all the success we had over the five years I was with him.
Have you talked to Greg about Cleveland?
I have not. I talked to him this offseason a little bit. We still text pretty often. I didn’t know he was even in the XFL coaching, so it was good to see him on the sidelines. I haven’t talked about his Browns days just yet.
Are your Greg stories or your Jim stories more entertaining?
Both. They’re both equally entertaining. I spent a good bit of time with Greg, four years in St. Louis and then five with Jim, so I have a lot of stories to share about both.
Those qualities that you speak of seem to have had such a big impact on you. I assume that those are the qualities you are inspired to carry with you every day on the field, right?
Yeah, exactly. Some of the greatest quotes that I share, the way I play and, really, some of the knowledge I’ve gained in the league, has been because of those two.
Do you have a quote right now or one that’s always on your mind?
Really, from Greg, is just treat every day like an interview. Came in as an undrafted rookie, and that really just stuck with me all throughout my career. Never wasting a day, never wasting a moment. Every day is precious.
Do you ever stop and think you’re an undrafted rookie still in the league?
I often get reminded of it, yeah. I rarely take time and to reflect, because I’m still in the moment. So I don’t necessarily want to reflect until I’m actually done, because I still feel like I got more than I’m trying to accomplish and chase.
So what did you do as an undrafted rookie to really catch the eyes of your coaches?
Really, just earn the respect of the older guys in the locker room and put good stuff on tape every day and really thriving on special teams. That’s where I made a name for myself as a rookie. And like I said, I gained the respect of a lot of my peers in the locker room, especially the leaders of the team.
Were you overwhelmed at all on your first day of minicamp or training camp?
Yeah. Can’t look for that light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just take it one day at a time, do whatever’s asked. If they ask me to fill up the Gatorade, saying ‘Cool. I’m going to do it, I need a job, coach.’
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