Shaquille Leonard

BIOGRAPHY

Born on July 27, 1995, in South Carolina, Darius Shaquille Leonard grew up with a love for football that propelled him into a successful professional career. Informally known as “Maniac”, Leonard’s energetic and productive on-field play has made him a force to reckon with. His football journey has taken him from high school football at Lake View High School, South Carolina, through a college stint at South Carolina State Bulldogs, to his selection in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft by Indianapolis Colts.

Leonard showcased immense skill in college football, leading South Carolina State in tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2014. He made his mark again in 2016, earning the title of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) defensive player of the year, and helping SC State become the first school to win this award four times consecutively. As a senior, Leonard’s unfaltering performance continued, posting career record numbers in total tackles and sacks.

His dedication to his craft paid off when Leonard received an invitation to the 2018 Senior Bowl, significantly boosting his draft stock. Despite an injury during the NFL Scouting Combine, Leonard was projected to be a second or third-round pick, impressively ranked as one of the top linebacking prospects in the draft. He was selected by Indianapolis Colts in the second round, the sixth linebacker drafted.

Signing a four-year, $7.24 million contract with the Colts in July 2018, Leonard quickly proved to be a worthwhile investment. From leading the opening game in tackles, earning the title of the American Football Conference (AFC) Defensive Player of the Week and eventually Defensive Rookie of the Month, Leonard’s rookie year was nothing short of sensational. Despite an ankle injury sidelining him for a couple of weeks, he finished his rookie season with an impressive 163 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, seven sacks, and two interceptions, leading the NFL in solo and combined tackles.

Leonard’s professional career continued to soar, leading his team to secure a playoff berth in 2018, with Leonard starting his first career playoff game in January 2019. Owing to his exceptional performance, Leonard was ranked 26th by fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019. He continued to scale heights in his career, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2019 and finishing the season with team-leading statistics despite missing some games due to injury.

Acknowledging his impact on the field, Leonard was offered a contract extension by the Colts in 2021, making him the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL. His career, however, experienced a setback in 2022, when Leonard underwent surgery to correct nerves impinged by his disks. Multiple injuries forced him to miss significant time, and he was eventually placed on injured reserve, ending his 2022 season. Leonard’s tenure with the Colts sadly ended in 2023, but he got a fresh start with the Philadelphia Eagles later that year.

Off the field, Leonard is a family man, father of two daughters, and has been engaged to his kindergarten friend, Kayla. Despite having two of his older brothers serve life sentences for murder, Leonard has successfully navigated life’s hurdles to become an exemplary figure in professional football. Alongside his football persona, Leonard has also starred in an episode of Celebrity Family Feud, getting the chance to take on retired NFL Hall of Famers.

In his still ongoing career, Leonard’s hard work, determination, and outstanding accomplishments have undeniably secured his position as one of football’s most prized linebackers. Despite the adversities he encountered along his path, Leonard’s passion for the game remains undiminished, reminding us all of the powerful drive that true passion can instill.