The John A. Merritt Classic is proud to honor Leon Murray Jr., a distinguished alumnus of Tennessee State University and a true embodiment of leadership, dedication, and athletic excellence. Leon, who earned his Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree in Communications with a minor in Sociology from TSU in May 2000, has built a remarkable career spanning professional sports, education, and entrepreneurial ventures.

A formidable presence on the football field, Leon served as Quarterback for all his teams, demonstrating exceptional leadership and fostering team cohesiveness. His professional playing career included stints with the National Football League’s New York Giants and Washington Redskins (2000-2001), National Football League Europe’s Berlin Thunder (2001), and the Arena Football League with the New York Dragons, Nashville Kats, and Georgia Force (2003-2007).

Beyond his playing days, Leon transitioned his passion for sports into a successful coaching and athletic administration career. He served as Assistant Football Coach at Taft High School (2001-2002), Assistant Football Coach (Receivers/Quarterbacks) at Lane College (2006), and held significant roles at Morehouse College from 2007 to 2017, including Football Offensive Coordinator, Recruitment Coordinator, and Quarterbacks Coach. During his tenure at Morehouse, he managed 40 offensive players and 4 assistant coaches annually and was instrumental in retaining and graduating over 90% of his student-athletes. He notably mentored two Division II football players who were drafted into the National Football League and produced over 45 All-Conference players. Leon also served as Athletic Director and Physical Education/Health Teacher at Fulton Leadership Academy (2016-2017) and as Physical Education/Health Teacher and Football Offensive Coordinator at Jackson High School (2018-2019).

In addition to his impactful contributions to athletics and education, Leon is a successful entrepreneur. Since November 2022, he has served as the Owner/CEO of Murray Premier Logistics, managing financial operations, overseeing human resources for over 130 employees, and managing a budget exceeding $7 million annually, all while partnering with Amazon. He has also been a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty since March 2016, where he leads daily operations, manages client databases and financials, and develops marketing materials.

Leon grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana and currently resides in the Atlanta metropolitan area. He is married to Dr. Colleen Crittenden Murray and is the proud father of two daughters: Morgan and Peyton. Leon Murray Jr.’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, whether on the gridiron, in the classroom, or in the boardroom. The John A. Merritt Classic is honored to recognize his profound impact and enduring legacy.