Buddy Leake

Buddy Leake was born in Memphis. He was a star back at Oklahoma, part of the "Phantom Backfield" with Billy Vessels, Eddie Crowder and Buck McPhail. Green Bay drafted him in the third round, 29th overall, in 1955. He played three CFL seasons as a quarterback and kicker for Winnipeg. In 1956 he scored 103 points and won the Dave Dryburgh Memorial Trophy. He raised eight children in Memphis and moved to Oklahoma City in 1979. He died there on February 18, 2014. Pro Football Reference has no player page for him. SoonerStats lists him on OU's roster for 1952 SO LH, 1953 JR QB, 1954 SR LH. His listed size in 1954 was 6-0, 185 lb. SoonerStats gives his full name as John E. Leake, Jr.. It lists his nickname as Buddy. It gives his hometown as Memphis, TN and his high school as Christian Brothers. It lists his birth as May 25, 1933. It lists his death as February 18, 2014 in Oklahoma City, OK (age 80). The Daily Oklahoman wrote on December 2, 1954 (NewsBank page 47): "Leake was tops in forward passing, punt and kickoff returns and scoring."