Colts’ former All-Professional LB Shaquille Leonard to retire as member of franchise throughout halftime of Raiders recreation

Initially a 2018 2nd spherical choose of the Colts out of South Carolina State, the 6,’2”, 230 pound linebacker instantly grew to become among the finest gamers at his place—incomes NFL Defensive Rookie of the 12 months honors, and changing into an NFL All-Professional in every of his first 4 seasons with the Colts.

He additionally was a 3x NFL Professional Bowler from 2019-21.

Nicknamed ‘The Maniac’ for his instinctive, sideline-to-sideline playmaking means, and talent to generate mass turnovers, Leonard recorded 614 complete tackles (385 solo), 32 tackles for loss, 15 interceptions (*1 returned for a landing), 15.0 sacks, 31 passes defensed, and whopping 17 compelled fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries throughout 70 profession video games (68 begins) from 2018-2023 in Indianapolis.

Leonard earned a profitable 5-year, $98.5 million contract extension again in 2021 with the Colts.

Nonetheless, after present process a number of again surgical procedures to right a persistent nerve problem in June of 2022 and a second in November of 2022, sadly, Leonard by no means fairly regained his prior NFL All-Professional type. He additionally suffered different accidents comparable to a concussion and damaged nostril that hindered his enjoying means.

In the course of the 2023 season, and at 28-years-old, Leonard was finally relegated to a restricted position and was finally waived by the Colts in November of that very same yr. He later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles late in that marketing campaign, which might in the end be his ultimate NFL season, showing in 5 video games and making 3 begins.

Nonetheless, just like the Colts’ legendary Bob Sanders, whereas his enjoying profession right here was rather more short-lived than all of us ideally would’ve hoped for, boy, did Leonard’s peak burn vivid right here. He was one of many actually elite gamers at his place, and whenever you have a look at a number of the shortcomings of the more moderen Colts groups, dropping a would-be future Corridor of Fame linebacker in his prime has contributed to setting again the franchise.

The Colts haven’t fairly been capable of constantly substitute his playmaking on the 2nd-level and talent to make takeaways defensively, particularly throughout essential moments late in video games.

Retiring as a member of the Colts is little doubt effectively deserved this upcoming weekend, and Leonard stays a robust candidate to finally be a part of the franchise’s illustrious Ring of Honor in my sincere opinion.