Leslie Goodman, Jr.

Induction Year: 2026

Location: Port Jefferson

Category: Football, Pro Sports

Les Goodman Jr. is a Port Jefferson High School alumnus and former NFL running back who was selected in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He later played for the Green Bay Packers from 1973 to 1975 and scored a touchdown against the Chicago Bears before a knee injury ended his professional playing career early.

A standout athlete at Port Jefferson High School, Goodman earned All-Suffolk honors in football and scored 25 touchdowns during his senior season. He was also the Suffolk County champion in the high hurdles and finished as the runner-up at the New York State Track and Field Championships. During his high school career, he set school records in both the hurdles and sprint events.

Goodman earned a full athletic scholarship to Yankton College, where he became the institution’s all-time leading rusher. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Yankton College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.

Following his football career, Goodman built successful careers in corporate leadership, mentorship, and youth development. He founded Creative Athletics and Performance Now, organizations dedicated to mentoring, training, and empowering young athletes.

He is remembered not only for his athletic achievements but also for the countless lives he impacted through his message of Desire, Discipline, and Dedication.

His wife, Ellen Goodman, and son, Joshua Goodman, accepted the honor in May 2026 in his memory.