Consensus All-American Leon Hall was chosen 18th overall in the initial round of the 2007 NFL Draft from Michigan and joined Cincinnati as a highly regarded defensive back. He promptly fulfilled that draft promise by securing a starting boundary position and acting as the primary cover man for Marvin Lewis's defense over the subsequent decade.

Hall relied on smooth hip fluidity, elite route recognition, and a willingness to step up in run support. He hit the ground running as a rookie, starting all 16 games at right cornerback while picking off five passes. Hall put together his finest campaign in 2009, hauling in six interceptions and defending 24 passes to earn Second-Team All-Pro honors while anchoring a secondary that swept the AFC North and powered Cincinnati to a division title.

Hall remained a premier nickel and outside corner for the Cincinnati Bengals notwithstanding his struggles with two Achilles tear injuries in 2011 and 2013. His innate instincts and physical tackling capabilities enabled him to transition effortlessly between boundary and slot positions. He played a vital role during Cincinnati's consecutive five playoff appearances from 2011 to 2015, ultimately transitioning to a nickel back and secondary mentor in his final year, 2015.

Following the 2015 season, Hall signed with the New York Giants, then played for the 49ers and Raiders before retiring. During nine seasons with the Bengals (2007–2015), he appeared in 121 games (105 starts), with six postseason games. He totaled 26 interceptions, 115 pass deflections, 470 tackles, and three defensive touchdowns.