LIT Alum Frank LeBlanc scores big in the big league

8/4/2020

attachment image-LIT Alum Frank LeBlanc scores big in the big league

BEAUMONT— Calling all armchair quarterbacks; here’s the chance to live your dream vicariously through former Port Arthur resident and athlete Frank LeBlanc.

From his early days playing Pop Warner football and Little League baseball in Port Arthur, to graduating from the Police Academy at Lamar Institute of Technology in 1998, to enjoying a 26-year officiating career, including a 10-year stint in the Big 12 college conference—Frank LeBlanc can now add one more accolade—being named a ‘down judge’ for football’s highest league—the NFL.
The 54-year-old alumnus and former Jefferson County Sheriff's correctional officer, who has since relocated to the Houston area, now works as Neighborhood Services Manager for League City.

But every weekend you’ll find him on the football field. LeBlanc reminisced about his time at LIT that taught him many valuable life lessons.

Although LeBlanc’s not in law enforcement anymore, he learned at LIT that, “when you work hard and dedicate your time, you will receive your reward in the end. You have to plan and set goals for your life. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

LeBlanc actually started officiating in 1994. He began calling games in Lamar University’s Southland Conference in 2006. After recently graduating from the NFL’s two-year Officiating Development Program (ODP), he was named ‘Down Judge 44’ in April. As a ‘down judge’ (formerly known as head linesman), LeBlanc will tally downs and lead the chain crew.

LeBlanc gushed, “This is truly a dream job. When I started officiating, I never dreamed I would someday be on the same field with the best and greatest athletes in the world.”

He said he’s very grateful for and humbled by this opportunity. But, LeBlanc added, “all I have to do now is work the Super Bowl, and then--in my opinion—I will have ‘made it big.’”