Browns' Rodney McLeod's wife Erika shares emotional message ahead of safety's last NFL game

The final chapter of Rodney McLeod's 13-year NFL journey sparked a heartfelt tribute from his wife Erika. The Cleveland Browns safety is set for his last professional game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

McLeod's path from an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams in 2012 to Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles showcases his remarkable resilience. Now in Cleveland, he'll conclude his career alongside his wife Erika and their 7-month-old daughter Zaia.

Recently, Erika McLeod took to Instagram stories to share her feelings about her husband's final NFL appearance. Her message arrived just as the Browns wrapped up preparations for their season finale in Baltimore, where they'll face a Ravens team battling for the division title.

"Bittersweet is an understatement. So proud of you my love," wrote Erika McLeod, accompanying a photo of Rodney.

Rodney McLeod's wife Erika insta story

The timing of Erika's message holds special significance as Rodney made his retirement decision before the 2024 season began. Though the Browns' 3-13 record wasn't what he envisioned, McLeod's impact remained substantial.

He made two defensive touchdowns - a fumble return against Las Vegas and a blocked field goal return in Philadelphia. This made him the team's leading scorer across offense and defense for several weeks.

Rodney McLeod's legacy

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - Source: Imagn

Rodney McLeod's influence on the Browns transcends his 27 games in Cleveland. After his final practice, his defensive teammates honored him by carrying him off the field before playfully tossing him into the pool, as per News 5 Cleveland.

"Rod has walked off the practice field about 2,000 times. Today he's not going to walk off, we're going to carry him off," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz announced to the unit on Thursday.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski added, "He's a pro's pro. He's a joy to coach. He brings it every single day."

His teammates' tributes paint a picture of his lasting impact. "Love Rod to death," shared defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, who revealed that McLeod was one of just two teammates to give his baby boy a birthday gift.

Fellow safety Grant Delpit praised him as "philosophical" and someone who "lifts the spirits, the intellectual level of his peers around him."

As McLeod prepares for his NFL curtain call, his focus remains steadfast. "Just staying present, just living in the moment," McLeod reflected on his approach to his final game on Thursday.