WHERE HIS LEGACY BEGAN
Originally from Fowlerville, MI, (about 25 miles east of Lansing) Tim began playing football when he was in 8th grade. After 9th grade he moved to St. Clair, MI. His sophomore season, Tim had the opportunity to work at many different positions, starting the season at Inside Linebacker, then moving to left tackle and eventually settling into the Offensive line. Little did Tim know that in the 10th grade working hard to find his place on the field would be the start of his career.
His junior season is when Tim finally started at left tackle. That season the St. Clair Saints went 7-2 and went on to win the district finals for the first time in school history. Tim was awarded All-Area, All-Conference, All-Metro East, and All-State Honorable Mention.
Tim’s senior season the Saints went 6-3 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Again Tim was awarded All-Area, All-Conference, All-Metro East, and All-State 1st Team.
Along with being an exceptional football player, Tim excelled in track and field as well. His sophomore year he broke the schools record at 155ft in the discus. His senior year, he broke his personal best and school record again where it still stands at 184’6″. Tim took 3rd in the State Finals sophomore year, 2nd his junior year, and 2nd his senior year in discus. Along with these accolades Tim also received All-Area, All-Conference, All-Region, All-State. Later going on to take second at the Meet of Champions, (A track meet between the best athletes of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana) with a throw of 189’11”.
His hard work and determination throughout high school earned Tim a dual scholarship for both track and football at Grand Valley State University.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
While at Grand Valley, he started 45 consecutive games for the Lakers, all coming at Left Guard.
Lelito was on the O-line that helped pave the way to the National Championship game in 2009, where the Lakers came up just short of their 5th Championship in just 8 years.
Tim would go on to be awarded All-Conference 3 times (2010-2012), Grand Valley’s Offensive Lineman of the year 2 times (2011, 2012), All-Region, GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the year 2012, and All-American First Team 2012.
While at Grand Valley Tim earned a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis on Sports Management and Leadership.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
As an Undrafted Free Agent, Tim had a lot to prove. Only guaranteed a tryout, Lelito made it through 70 Free Agents and Rookies all the way down to 20 by the end of Rookie Mini Camp. Then again at the start of Training Camp, when they cut 90 guys all the way down to the 53 man roster.
Lelito started 2 games in 2013 for the Saints. His first NFL start was against the Arizona Cardinals.
In his second season with the Saints, Tim started 2 games, This first against the Green Bay Packers, and the following game against the Carolina Panthers. Both games were big wins for both the team and Tim.
The third season Lelito started 13 games and appeared in 15.
In his fourth season with the Saints, Lelito appeared in all 16 games. Starting 7 Games at multiple positions including Center, Guard, Tight End and Fullback. Showing his versatility and willingness to put the the team ahead of his own personal agenda.
During the 2017 off season, Tim was added to Bleacher Reports #3 Best Offensive Line of 2016.
During the 2017 off season, Tim signed with the Tennessee Titans though was released before Game 1. After becoming a free agent and returning to his hometown, Tim signed a one year contract with the Detroit Lions to assist on the offensive line. He was waived from the team in November after suffering from a sprained hamstring.
Signing with the Detroit Lions brought Tim back to his home state, and while recovering from his last injury, he decided that he would retire while he still had a upper hand on his health. He now enjoys his time helping his community through the foundation, giving his time to help coach basketball, football as well as track and field for local schools.
HOBBIES
In Tim’s spare time he enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, spending time with friends and family, and many other outdoor activities.
