Shaquille Leonard, widely known as “The Maniac,” is set to return to Indianapolis to officially retire as a member of the Colts. The team announced on Wednesday that the three-time first-team All-Pro linebacker and 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year will mark this momentous occasion during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Leonard’s NFL career spans six seasons, largely spent with the Colts, before concluding with the Philadelphia Eagles. Over his time in the league, he amassed 637 tackles, 16 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions. A somewhat underestimated second-round draft pick from South Carolina State, Leonard burst onto the scene in 2018, leading the NFL in tackles with a remarkable 163. His aggressive playing style and ability to make big plays quickly earned him a prominent spot in the league, despite not being selected for the Pro Bowl that year.
Throughout his tenure with the Colts, Leonard was the backbone of the team’s defense. In recognition of his impact, he was signed to a lucrative five-year, $98.5 million contract extension ahead of the 2021 season. However, injuries began to plague him thereafter. Although he played all 16 games in 2021 and recorded 122 tackles, his performance was hindered by an ankle injury.
Leonard’s dominance as a linebacker was notable from 2018 to 2021, during which he ranked highly in multiple defensive categories. Unfortunately, in the subsequent season, injuries severely limited his participation, culminating in multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery periods. By the 2023 season, Leonard saw limited action before the Colts decided to release him. Despite initially being frustrated by this decision, he continued to express gratitude towards Colts fans, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Leonard was recognized for his humanitarian efforts, earning accolades such as the Colts’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2022 and the Ed Block Courage Award. His legacy is likely to be compared to that of former Colts safety Bob Sanders, as both players are celebrated not only for their abilities on the field but also for their perseverance through injuries.
As Shaquille Leonard prepares to retire, his electrifying energy and significant contributions to the Indianapolis community will be fondly remembered by Colts Nation.