2004 Flashback: Connecting with champion Leon Steinfeld

James Madison football is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its 2004 NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship. As part of the celebration, we recently caught up with members of the title squad to reflect on the season and their lives over the last decade. Today we hear from Leon Steinfeld, who played as a senior offensive lineman on the title team. JMU will formally celebrate the anniversary as part of Champions Weekend at the Nov. 22 Elon game. Tickets are available here.

Previous Flashbacks: Brandon Beach, Rodney McCarter

What specific memories do you have from the 2004 season, both in the regular season and the postseason?

The best memories of the 2004 season would have to be the brotherhood that existed within the locker room. So many of us went through so much adversity together that we knew when we stepped out on the field that we were all going to play for each other. There was no individualism.

At what point of the season did you get the feeling that this could build into something special?

Without sounding arrogant, we knew before the season started that we had something special. The work that we did in the spring and throughout the summer was a resemblance of what we wanted and that the hard work and dedication were the keys to this success.

What were your thoughts and emotions entering the championship game?

The emotions felt on December 17^th 2004 were surreal. You play a game your whole life to hope that it ends with the highest achievement possible. As I stood there on the 50-yard-line for the coin toss I took a second to take it in and just reminded myself that this was like every other game that I had ever played in with the exception that it was my last. I wanted to enjoy the moment and wanted no regrets.

Describe the atmosphere of the stadium in Chattanooga as the team took the field.

I remember the atmosphere like it was yesterday. The air was crisp. The fans and the band were just as ready as the team. We knew that even though Montana travelled very well that they would not outshine the Dukes of JMU!

How did the weather conditions and field conditions factor into the physical and mental game?

The weather wasn't extreme enough to play a factor in the game…the field conditions however were atrocious. Even with the field conditions being the worst that I have played on since my high school practice days (Go Edna Karr Cougars!). I think it played into our type of game. We loved to run the ball and were a very physical team, which I feel benefited us.

Going into the half, what was your confidence level about the outcome of the game?

Going into halftime, I was shocked that we had the lead. With as bad as we played in the first quarter we should not have been in that position. I remember sitting in the locker room and looking around and thinking to myself…we have this, I knew we were going to turn things around and play JMU ball in the second half. You could see it in everyone's eyes.

When during the game did you realize that this team would be the champions?

When we took the field in the second half you could see that we had some swagger in us. At that point in time, I knew we were not going to lose.

Describe your thoughts and emotions as the offense ran out the final moments on the clock?

Being on the field was one of the most memorable moments of my life. The guys that I played with for 4-5 years were all standing out there with me. Many knew that over the past few years as a group we were not that good. We all played at a very young age and through some very tough times. Coach Matthews and Coach Newsome built us into men and the fact that we were able to share that moment together was priceless.

What does it mean that your team is still the only team to win a championship without playing a home game? Did the constant road travel impact your performance?

Being the only team to become a champion without playing a home game is a great achievement; however, with playing in the A10 during my career every road game was a tough environment. The fact that we were on the road didn't bother us.

Was the national championship your favorite game from the 2004 season or does another stand out?

The national championship was by far my favorite game of the 2004 season. I would say that the William and Mary playoff game was the sweetest victory though. Beating a team in the playoffs that beat you in your house during the regular season is as satisfying as it gets!

Did you have a nickname on the team? If yes, what was it? If not, who had the best one?

I personally did not have a nickname. Chuck Suppon had a wild idea that he wanted to become a professional wrestler and nicknamed himself Supplex….now he is an assistant principal.

How much do you follow the current JMU Football team either by attending games or via JMUSports.com or social media?

I try to follow every game at least through social media or the website if it is not on television.

How much contact have you maintained with the other championship team players?

I have a close group of friends that I remain in constant contact with. Most of us are married with kids now, so times are a little different then when we were at JMU. Our kids seem to get along great though. I am sure they will have a great time together when they become DUKES!

How often do you return to campus or when was the last time you returned?

We try to get back to JMU for one or two games a year. We wish it was more though.

What do you think of the newly-expanded 25,000-seat Bridgeforth Stadium?

It is definitely a big-time environment. I would have loved to play in that stadium during my time.

Does football still play a role is your life? If so, how?

Football remains a huge part of my life. You don't realize how many life lessons you learn along the way until you actually have a chance to apply them in real life.

What did you first do after graduating from JMU? (personally and/or professionally)

After graduating, I moved back to New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina welcomed itself. From there I moved back up to Virginia and started working with Ryan Homes as a production supervisor.

What are your current professional endeavors?

Currently I am an adjuster for Factory Mutual (FM Global) Insurance Company.

Where do you currently reside?

I live in Leesburg, Virginia with my wife Rachel and our two kids. We have a daughter named Madison (2) and a son named Paxson (3 months).

How much did your experiences with JMU Football shape the last 10 years of your life?

The life lessons learned at JMU have made me the individual I am today. JMU helped instill self discipline, time management, being a team player, competitiveness, having a winning mentality and most importantly not to be consumed by self pity.

What do you like to do with your time outside of work/obligations?

The biggest enjoyment I have right now outside of work is watching our kids grow up. The joy and happiness they provide us with is unexplainable.
Anything else you want to share to help tell the story of the 2004 championship season?

James Irwin, a JMU graduate, wrote a great book (Midnight in Chattanooga) about the 2004 championship season that reflects on the seasons leading up to 2004 as well. It provides great insight on how this season came to be.

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Completed Event: Football versus Weber State on August 30, 2025 , Win , 45, to, 10

Completed Event: Football at Louisville on September 5, 2025 , Loss , 14, to, 28

Completed Event: Football at Liberty on September 20, 2025 , Win , 31, to, 13

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Upcoming Event: Football at Georgia State on October 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football versus Louisiana on October 11, 2025

Upcoming Event: Football versus Old Dominion on October 18, 2025

Upcoming Event: Football at Texas State on October 28, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)

Upcoming Event: Football at Marshall on November 8, 2025

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2004 Flashback: Connecting with champion Leon Steinfeld

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