Bronco Legend Charles Leno Invests in Boise State Football
8/12/2025 2:06:00 PM | Football, General
Lyle Smith Society now at 290 members in support of Bronco Athletics
BOISE, Idaho – Former Boise State offensive lineman Charles Leno, Jr. and his wife Jenn, have joined the Lyle Smith Society (LSS), a philanthropic giving option launched by the Bronco Athletic Association in December 2020. The gift is designated for Bronco football, the football equipment room and BroncoLife.
"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," said Spencer Danielson, Boise State head football coach. "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!"
Leno returned to Boise State last fall to spend time with the football team and raise the Blue Chaos flag prior to last year's home opener against Portland State. During an interview during that week, Leno shared the following.
"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."
Leno (2009-13) started 39 consecutive games at offensive tackle for the Broncos, with the final 26 games at left tackle. He was named All-Mountain West Second Team as a junior and All-Mountain West First Team as a senior. He was a member of three conference championship-winning teams (2009, 2010, 2012) and three teams that finished the season ranked in the top-10 of the final BCS rankings (2009-11).
Drafted in the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft, Leno had a lengthy NFL career, playing 10 seasons. He played with the Bears from 2014-20 before signing with the Commanders from 2021-23. In total, Leno played 149 games in the NFL, netting 141 career starts. He earned a Pro Bowl nod following the 2018 season.
In a post on Twitter following his nomination for 2022 NFL Man of the Year he wrote. "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." @charleslenojr72
As of today, more than 30+ former student-athletes have made commitments to the LSS. Since the launch of the Lyle Smith Society in 2020, 290 members have joined to raise nearly $40 million for Boise State Athletics.
Visit Lyle Smith Society to help ensure the future of Boise State Athletics and leave a legacy as a member of Bronco Nation.
