Sept. 2, 2003
PITTSBURGH - Former Duquesne University standouts Leigh Bodden and Josh Rue completed the journey from free agency to a National Football League roster over the weekend and in the process became the first Dukes to reach the NFL since 1953.
Bodden, a two-time All-American cornerback for the Dukes from 1999-02, earned a spot on the Cleveland Browns active roster, while Rue, a product of Pittsburgh Gateway High School who played fullback for Duquesne from 1999-01, was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.
Bodden and Rue are the first Duquesne University football players to appear on an NFL roster since Al Demao finished a nine-year career with the Washington Redskins in 1953. The last time DU had two players in the NFL was in 1951 (Demao with the Redskins and Chuck Mehelich with the Pittsburgh Steelers).
"I'm thrilled for both Leigh and Josh," said Duquesne University head coach Greg Gattuso. "They both did it the hard way, starting out as free agents. I think it really says a lot about their ability and the quality of our program to make it to the NFL from the I-AA Mid-Major level."
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Rue has been nicknamed "Kanga" by Cardinal's Head Coach Dave McGinnis.
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Bodden, one of four free agents to make the Browns, finished his Duquesne career with 28 interceptions - tied for the second-highest total in NCAA I-AA history. Rue, who was originally signed by Miami before being picked up by the Cardinals in early August, was cut by the Cards on Sunday before being re-signed to the five-man practice squad yesterday. Rue rushed for 25 touchdowns in three seasons at DU.
Duquesne, which competes at the NCAA I-AA Mid-Major level does not offer athletic scholarships for football. There were only four former I-AA Mid-Major players on NFL rosters last season: center Hank Fraley (Robert Morris) of the Philadelphia Eagles, kicker Billy Cundiff (Drake) and receiver DeVeren Johnson (Sacred Heart) both with the Dallas Cowboys and David Dinkins (Morehead State) with the Buffalo Bills.
Bodden and Rue are the 44th and 45th Duquesne players to reach the NFL. The previous 43 all played between 1933 and 1953.
NOTE:
Duquesne competed at the NCAA Division I-A level for 31 seasons through 1950, before discontinuing the sport until 1969; the Dukes played at the Club level from 1969-78, Division III from 1979-92 and I-AA Mid-Major since 1993.
