Graham Leigh


Graham Leigh is an American former football quarterback who played for the Birmingham Thunderbolts of the XFL.

College career

Pacific

In 1994, Leigh joined Pacific, where he redshirted the 1994 [Pacific Tigers football team|1994 season]. In 1995, Leigh appeared in seven games for the Tigers during their last season in the programs history. The school struggled to a 3–8 record while Leigh completed 76-of-150 passes for 958 yards with seven touchdowns to six interceptions. Leigh then transferred to New Mexico.

New Mexico

Leigh was eligible to play during 1996 season because the Tigers program was eliminated. Leigh spent the season as the backup quarterback to Donald Sellers and saw limited playing time. In 1997, Leigh led the Lobos to a 9–3 record and an appearance in the WAC Championship Game. He set the program record with 24 touchdown passes and a passer efficiency rating of 153.6. For his play, he was named Western [Athletic Conference football|Western Athletic Conference] Offensive Player of the Year. He also led the Lobos to its first bowl appearance since the 1961 [New Mexico Lobos football team|1961 season]. In the 1997 Insight.com Bowl, Leigh threw and ran for a touchdown as the Lobos were defeated by Arizona 20–14.
In 1998, Leigh and the Lobos started off 2–0, but would drop nine of its final 10 games to finish the season 3–9. Leigh led the WAC with passes attempted, touchdowns thrown and average passing yards per game.

Statistics

s only began counting toward single-season and career statistics in 2002.

Arizona Cardinals

In 1999, Leigh was signed by the Arizona Cardinals. He was released before ever appearing in a game.

Rhein Fire

In 2000, Leigh was signed by the Rhein Fire of the NFL Europe. He was released before ever playing in a game.

Birmingham Thunderbolts

On October 29, 2000, Leigh was selected in the 19th round of the XFL draft">XFL (2001)">XFL draft by the Birmingham Thunderbolts of the XFL. Leigh began the season as the third-string quarterback to Casey Weldon and Jay Barker. Due to injuries of both Weldon and Barker, Leigh made his professional debut in week eight against Chicago. In his debut, Leigh completed 9-of-27 passes for 102 yards and threw three interceptions. Leigh received his first professional start the following week against Orlando. He threw his first touchdown in the first quarter to wide receiver Quincy Jackson on a 9-yard pass. The Bolts and Leigh held an eight-point fourth quarter lead, but ultimately fell to the Rage 29–24. Leigh also started the season finale against New York/New Jersey, but failed to find the endzone in a 22–0 defeat. On the season, Leigh appeared in three games and threw for 499 yards and one touchdown to six interceptions.

XFL statistics