Boise State University Athletics Receives Significant Gift from Charles Leno, Jr. and Jenn

Strategic Insights -

Boise State University Idaho Athletics has received a substantial gift from former offensive lineman Charles Leno, Jr. and his wife Jenn. The couple has joined the Lyle Smith Society, a philanthropic program launched by the Bronco Athletic Association in December 2020. Their gift is designated for Bronco football, the football equipment room, and BroncoLife. This significant contribution comes on the heels of Leno's return to Boise State last fall to spend time with the football team and raise the Blue Chaos flag prior to the home opener against Portland State.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charles Leno, Jr. and his wife Jenn have joined the Lyle Smith Society, a philanthropic program launched in December 2020, with a designated gift for Bronco football, the football equipment room, and BroncoLife.
  • Leno, a former Boise State offensive lineman from 2009-2013, started 39 consecutive games at offensive tackle, including 26 games at left tackle, and was a member of three conference championship-winning teams and three teams that finished in the top-10 of the final BCS rankings.
  • The Leno's gift is a significant addition to the over 30 former student-athletes who have made commitments to the LSS, which has now grown to 290 members, raising nearly $40 million for Boise State Athletics since its launch.
  • The total value of the Leno's gift, while not explicitly stated, is part of the nearly $40 million raised by the LSS since 2020.
  • Charles Leno, Jr. played 10 seasons in the NFL, including 149 games and 141 career starts, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and nominated for the 2022 NFL Man of the Year award.
  • The Broncos have a strong culture, fly around the field, and are intentional, according to head coach Spencer Danielson, who appreciates Charles and Jenn's contribution and example for the team and other Broncos.

Statistics:

  • 39 consecutive games started by Charles Leno, Jr. at offensive tackle
  • 26 games started by Leno at left tackle
  • 3 conference championship-winning teams participated in by Leno (2009, 2010, 2012)
  • 3 teams that finished in the top-10 of the final BCS rankings participated in by Leno (2009-11)
  • 290 members in the Lyle Smith Society since its launch in 2020
  • Nearly $40 million raised by the Lyle Smith Society for Boise State Athletics since 2020
  • 10 seasons played by Charles Leno, Jr. in the NFL
  • 149 games played by Leno in the NFL
  • 141 career starts by Leno in the NFL
  • 1 Pro Bowl nod by Leno in 2018
  • 1 nomination for the 2022 NFL Man of the Year award by Leno

Sources:

  • Boise State University Idaho Athletics news release
  • Interview with Charles Leno, Jr. during the 2022 season
  • Twitter post by Charles Leno, Jr. (@charleslenojr72)
  • Lyle Smith Society webpage