Last Updated on: 17th October 2025, 06:51 pm
Former Boise State University offensive lineman Charles Leno Jr. is paying it forward. The 10-year NFL veteran and 2018 Pro Bowler, along with his wife Jenn, has joined the Lyle Smith Society—a philanthropic powerhouse that’s reshaping the future of Bronco Athletics.
The gift, designated specifically for Bronco football, the football equipment room, and BroncoLife, adds another chapter to Leno’s enduring connection with the program that launched his professional career. Head coach Spencer Danielson didn’t mince words about the significance of the contribution.
“Charles is one of the best to ever wear a Boise State jersey and to have him and his family give back to our guys is huge for our program,” Danielson said. “We appreciate Charles and Jenn for stepping up and being an example for our team and other Broncos. Guys like him helped lay the foundation for Boise State this century, and he’s continuing to raise the expectations of what is possible here. Once a Bronco, Always a Bronco!”
A Legacy Built on the Blue Turf
Leno’s Boise State University career from 2009 to 2013 established him as one of the program’s most dependable anchors. He started 39 consecutive games at offensive tackle for the Broncos, with the final 26 at left tackle—the position where he would make his mark in the NFL. He earned All-Mountain West Second Team honors as a junior and First Team recognition as a senior.
His time on the blue turf coincided with some of the program’s most successful seasons. Leno was a member of three conference championship teams in 2009, 2010, and 2012. He played on three squads that finished in the top 10 of the final BCS rankings from 2009 to 2011, helping establish Boise State University as a force in college football’s national conversation.
The Chicago Bears selected Leno in the seventh round—246th overall—of the 2014 NFL Draft. What many viewed as a late-round gamble evolved into one of the most productive careers for any seventh-round pick in recent memory. Leno played 10 seasons in the NFL, appearing in 149 games with 141 career starts. He spent seven years with the Bears before signing with the Washington Football Team (later Commanders) from 2021 to 2023.
His 2018 season with Chicago earned him Pro Bowl recognition, validating what Boise State University coaches and teammates knew all along—Leno belonged among the league’s elite.
More Than Football
Leno’s commitment extends beyond the field. Following his 2022 NFL Man of the Year nomination, he shared his philosophy on social media: “In life, I believe you are not defined by what you accomplish, but by the impact that you make on others’ lives. Giving back to my community where I’m from, where I have been, and where I’m at, has always been a passion of mine.”
That passion brought him back to Boise State University last fall, where he spent time with the football team and raised the Blue Chaos flag before the home opener against Portland State. During that visit, Leno expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s direction under Danielson.
“I just wanted to get involved and help out in any way I can,” Leno said. “I love what Coach Danielson is doing – the culture here is phenomenal. The way he has the guys flying around, they are intentional. It’s a very, very good culture and a very good program that he’s put together.”
Building the Future Through the Lyle Smith Society
The Lyle Smith Society, launched by the Bronco Athletic Association in December 2020, has become a transformational force for Boise State University Athletics. Named after the iconic longtime Bronco football coach and administrator, the society exists to increase philanthropic revenues supporting scholarships, operational needs, and capital projects.
The numbers tell an impressive story. Since its launch, 290 members have joined the Lyle Smith Society, raising nearly $40 million for Boise State Athletics. More than 30 former student-athletes have made commitments to the LSS, with Leno and his wife joining an exclusive group dedicated to ensuring future generations of Broncos have the resources to compete at the highest level.
The impact stretches across all 18 NCAA Division I sports programs at Boise State University. From facility upgrades to academic support, from equipment enhancements to competitive travel, LSS contributions position Bronco student-athletes for success both during their college careers and beyond.
For Leno, giving back represents more than financial support. It’s about maintaining the standard of excellence he helped establish during his playing days and ensuring that standard continues to rise. His investment sends a powerful message to current players and future recruits: the Bronco family takes care of its own.
As Boise State University continues building toward what’s next, contributions like the Lenos’ demonstrate the enduring power of the blue and orange. From a seventh-round draft pick who became a Pro Bowler to a philanthropist investing in future Broncos, Charles Leno’s story embodies everything the program represents—excellence, loyalty, and a commitment to lifting others.
