SAN LEANDRO, Calif. - Oakland native and San Leandro High alum Charles Leno Jr., who played in the NFL for a decade, was honored Friday night at the high school’s homecoming game.

Leno donated $450,000 towards a new professional-grade turf for his alma mater at Burrell Field.

It was part of a nearly $1 million renovation of the school’s athletic facility.

Hometown pride

The backstory:

On Friday, Leno was beaming with pride when he saw the turf for the first time since its installation over the summer.

"I absolutely love where I come from," Leno said as he walked the new field. "San Leandro High has done so much for me."

The NFL player graduated from SLHS in 2009 and spent a decade playing pro, but never forgot his roots or his hometown team, the San Leandro Pirates.

That’s why he

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