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Three-time first-team All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard’s time in Indianapolis came to an end this week.
Shaq Leonard, the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year and three-time first-team All-Pro linebacker, was cut from the team, but he did not let his unfortunate ending stop him from being a great guy.
Despite getting cut and no longer bringing in a paycheck for his family, Leonard decided to show great class by sticking to his commitment to the community by helping other families.
Leonard handed out turkeys in the Indianapolis area hours after his release.
Colts owner Jim Irsay also took to social media in the aftermath of the move to reminisce about Leonard’s tenure, while also acknowledging that the NFL is a “tough business.”
“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” Irsay said in a statement. “Off the field, he’s a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization. We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”
Leonard first arrived in Indianapolis in 2018 as a second-round draft pick out of South Carolina State. He immediately made an impact for the Colts, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in tackles.
Over his tenure, he was a first-team All-Pro three times and named to the Pro Bowl four times.
Injuries have slowed him down in recent seasons as he was limited to just three games in 2022 due to offseason back surgery.