Brad Leland was born on September 15, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas. During his high school years, his family relocated to Plano, Texas, where he joined the Plano High School football team. In 1971, the same year the team won the Texas AAA State Championship, he suffered a significant knee injury that ended his football aspirations. Despite this setback, Leland went on to pursue his passion for the performing arts.

He earned a bachelor's degree in acting and directing from Texas Tech University in 1980. Outside of his professional pursuits, Leland is known to be an avid golfer and enjoys the sport during his leisure time.

Breakthrough in Television and Film

Following graduation, Leland relocated to Dallas, where he began working in local theater productions. He eventually secured an agent and started landing roles on television. One of his early television appearances was on the series In the Heat of the Night. He later took on recurring roles, most notably in seven episodes of the long-running show Walker, Texas Ranger, which helped elevate his profile in the industry.

His film career includes roles in over 20 feature films, with appearances in productions such as Hancock, where he portrayed a corporate executive. However, it was his portrayal of Buddy Garrity in the acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights that earned him widespread popularity and critical praise. His naturalistic acting style and compelling screen presence became hallmarks of his work.