INDIANAPOLIS — Shaquille Leonard was a surprising immediate hit with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018.
His departure Tuesday was every bit as shocking.
Indy waived the three-time All-Pro linebacker after he complained publicly about decreased playing time this season as the Colts prepare to face Tampa Bay following a bye week.
“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms,” Leonard wrote in part on his social media account as the news broke. “These past six years has been nothing but incredible! Through the good times and the bad y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that (Lombardi) trophy back to the 317. The energy at Lucas Oil (Stadium) has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory.”
The 28-year-old Leonard provided many memories for the Colts (5-5), too.
The second-round draft pick quickly won the hearts and minds of fans and teammates with his playmaking skills, his patented punch to jar footballs loose, his unending energy and the fighting spirit of an underdog who faced every challenge head on.
Some draft analysts thought Indy “reached” by taking Leonard with the 36th overall draft pick in 2018. Leonard took offense and wound up leading the league with a franchise-record 163 tackles. He won the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2018.
Leonard joined left guard Quenton Nelson as the first rookie teammates to be selected first team All-Pros since Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers (Bears) in 1965.
It was only the start.
Leonard made three All-Pro teams and three Pro Bowls in his first four seasons, becoming one of the league’s most feared defenders.
He was rewarded in 2021 with a five-year contract extension worth $99.25 million, which made him the NFL’s highest-paid off-the-ball linebacker. He was best known for his ability to chase down opponents and his penchant for creating turnovers.
“Shaq is the ultimate competitor and has been a fan favorite since he arrived as a rookie in 2018,” general manger Chris Ballard said in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to the team and the city of Indianapolis over the last six seasons. We wish him the best and he will always be a valued member of the Horseshoe.”
But even though he appeared to be his usual self in 2021, leading the league in forced fumbles (eight), he was hurting. Leonard played through significant leg pain, which was later determined to be a nerve injury that required back surgery before the 2022 season.
Leonard missed Indy’s first three games and in his season debut, he suffered a concussion and a fractured nose in a violent collision.