✦ College and Early Career: Leemans played college football for both Oregon and George Washington University. Drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1936 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a force on the field.

✦ Dominant All-Around Player: Leemans excelled on both offense and defense. He was a skilled runner, receiver, and passer, while also being a strong defensive player. This versatility made him a valuable asset to the Giants.

✦ League Leader and Champion: Leemans led the NFL in rushing yards (830) as a rookie, a remarkable feat, and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1936 and 1939. He helped the Giants win the 1938 NFL Championship and played in the championship games of 1939 and 1941.

✦ Durability and Accolades: Leemans played eight seasons for the Giants, appearing in 80 games. He finished his career with over 3,100 rushing yards, 2,300 passing yards, and 33 total touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his career (1938, 1941) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

✦ Legacy: Leemans' career embodied the early days of the NFL, where players were often expected to excel on both sides of the ball. His well-rounded skill set and leadership made him a key contributor to the Giants' success in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Leemans worked briefly as a backfield coach for the Giants and at his alma mater George Washington after his playing days were over.