Darius Shaquille Leonard (born July 27, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the South Carolina State Bulldogs and was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. In his rookie season, Leonard led the league in tackles and was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year; he was also voted into the NFL Top 100 the following offseason. Leonard has been informally nicknamed "Maniac" due to his energetic and productive on-field play.[1]
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
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Born: | Nichols, South Carolina, U.S. | July 27, 1995||||||||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||||
Weight: | 230 lb (104 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||||||
High school: | Lake View (Lake View, South Carolina) | ||||||||||||||||
College: | South Carolina State (2013–2017) | ||||||||||||||||
Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||||||||
NFL draft: | 2018 / round: 2 / pick: 36 | ||||||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||
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Career NFL statistics as of 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
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Early life
editLeonard attended and played high school football at Lake View High School in Lake View, South Carolina.[2]
College career
editLeonard led SCSU in tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2014, compiling 86, 14 for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He posted 70 stops the following year (2015), 131⁄2 of those for loss, with five sacks and two interceptions to earn a first-team all-conference selection as a redshirt sophomore.[3] After the 2016 season, Leonard was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) defensive player of the year, making SC State the first school to win the award four years in a row.[4] Leonard finished the season with 124 tackles, 141⁄2 tackles for loss, 31⁄2 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles. He had an impressive game against Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse Clemson, totaling 19 tackles. Leonard saved his best for last, as he posted career highs in total tackles (113) and sacks (81⁄2) as a senior while picking off two more passes and forcing one fumble. His 73 solo tackles in 2017 put him in the Top 10 in the nation, and 41⁄2 of his sacks came in his final two games.[5] He also won the MEAC defensive player of the year award again after the 2017 season.[6]
Professional career
editPre-draft
editOn November 20, 2017, it was announced that Leonard had accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.[7] On January 27, 2018, Leonard played in the 2018 Senior Bowl and recorded a game-high 14 combined tackles (five solo) as part of Bill O'Brien's North team that defeated the South 45–16.[8] Leonard's performance at the Senior Bowl immensely helped his draft stock.[9] Leonard attended the NFL Scouting Combine, but was unable to complete all of his combine drills after injuring his quadriceps while running his 40-yard dash. He completed the bench press, 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash at the NFL Combine. On March 20, 2018, Leonard participated at South Carolina State's pro day and performed the rest of his combine drills. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Leonard was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the sixth best inside linebacker prospect in the draft by NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and was ranked the seventh best outside linebacker by DraftScout.com.[10][11]
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
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6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
234 lb (106 kg) |
34 3⁄8 in (0.87 m) |
10 1⁄4 in (0.26 m) |
4.70 s | 1.69 s | 2.77 s | 4.63 s | 7.37 s | 38 in (0.97 m) |
10 ft 8 in (3.25 m) |
20 reps | |
All values from NFL Combine /South Carolina State's Pro Day[12][10] |
Indianapolis Colts
edit2018
editThe Indianapolis Colts selected Leonard in the second round with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.[13] Leonard was the sixth linebacker taken in the draft.[14]
External videos | |
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Colts draft Darius Leonard 36th overall | |
Instant Draft Grade: Darius Leonard |
On July 23, 2018, Leonard signed a four-year, $7.24 million contract that included $4.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.35 million.[15]
Leonard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker.[16] Head coach Frank Reich named Leonard the starting weakside linebacker to start the regular season in 2018, alongside Najee Goode and middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.[17]
External videos | |
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Leonard swoops in for recovery after blocked FG | |
Darius Leonard’s top plays from Week 15 | |
Blaine Gabbert gifts Leonard his first career INT | |
Darius Leonard’s INT ices game for Indy |
He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Colts' season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded nine combined tackles and recovered a fumble in their 34–23 loss.[18] On September 16, 2018, Leonard collected a season-high 19 combined tackles (15 solo) and made his first career sack on Redskins' quarterback Alex Smith during a 21–9 win at the Washington Redskins.[19] For his performance, he was named the American Football Conference (AFC) Defensive Player of the Week.[20] The following week, Leonard recorded 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and made two sacks on Eagles' quarterback Carson Wentz in the Colts' 20–16 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.[21] On October 4, 2018, after totaling 54 combined tackles (which led the league, and was most by a player in first four weeks of the season since 1994) and four sacks (leading all rookies) in September, Leonard was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month.[22] Leonard was inactive for the Colts’ Week 5 loss at the New England Patriots due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous week.[23] On November 18, 2018, Leonard made seven combined tackles, one pass deflection, one sack, and his first career interception during a 38–10 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. Leonard intercepted a pass by Titans’ backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert, that was intended for wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, and returned it for a ten-yard gain during the third quarter.[24] In Week 15, Leonard broke the Colts' franchise record for most tackles by a rookie in a single season with 143, in a 23–0 win vs the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 17, Leonard broke the Colts’ franchise record for most tackles in a single season with 163, in a 33–17 win vs the Tennessee Titans. For his performance, Leonard was once again awarded with AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[25] Leonard was awarded the AFC Defensive Player of the Month award for December.[26] He finished his rookie season in 2018 with 163 combined tackles (111 solo), eight pass deflections, seven sacks, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.[27] Leonard led the NFL in solo tackles and combined tackles.[28] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[29]
The Colts finished second in the AFC South with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth.[30] On January 5, 2019, Leonard started in his first career playoff game and recorded 13 combined tackles (five solo) and broke up a pass attempt during a 21–7 victory at the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round.[31] In the Divisional Round, a 31–13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he had 14 combined tackles (ten solo), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.[32] He was ranked 26th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.[33]
2019
editIn Week 2 against the Titans, Leonard made 10 tackles and one sack on Marcus Mariota as the Colts won 19–17.[34] After the game, Leonard reportedly felt concussion like symptoms and was forced to miss the next three games. He made his return in Week 7 against the Texans. In the game, Leonard recorded a team high ten tackles and an interception off Deshaun Watson in the 30–23 win.[35] In Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins, Leonard recorded a team high 13 tackles, sacked Ryan Fitzpatrick once, intercepted a pass thrown by Fitzpatrick, and forced a fumble on tight end Mike Gesicki which was recovered by teammate Kenny Moore II in the 16–12 loss.[36] In Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded 12 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill twice in the 31–17 loss.[37] In Week 14, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Leonard recorded nine tackles and intercepted two passes thrown by Jameis Winston, one of which was returned for an 80 yard pick six, during the 38–35 loss.[38]
Following the season, he was voted into his first Pro Bowl appearance.[39] Despite missing three games due to injury, Leonard had a team-leading 121 tackles including 71 solos, six tackles for loss, five sacks, six passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles.[40][41] He also became the first NFL player since 1982 to have 10-plus sacks and five-plus interceptions in his first 25 games.[42] He additionally in 2019 became the eighth player in NFL history to record five sacks and five interceptions in a single season, joining the likes of Pro Football Hall of Famers Brian Urlacher, Wilber Marshall and LeRoy Butler; Leonard was the first to achieve the feat in fewer than 15 games.[43]
He was ranked 50th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.[44]
2020
editIn Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, Leonard recorded a team high nine tackles and recorded a strip sack on quarterback Matthew Stafford which was recovered by the Colts during the 41–21 win.[45] In Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens, Leonard recorded a team high 15 tackles (13 solo) and recovered a fumble forced by DeForest Buckner on Gus Edwards during the 24–10 loss.[46] In Week 12 against the Titans, Leonard recorded a team high 14 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill once during the 45–26 loss.[47] In Week 15 against the Texans, Leonard led the team with 15 tackles and forced a fumble on wide receiver Keke Coutee that was recovered by the Colts during the 27–20 win.[48] In Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leonard led the team with 10 tackles and recorded a strip sack on Mike Glennon that was recovered by the Colts during the 28–14 win.[49] Leonard was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[50] He was named to his second Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors.[51][52] In the 2020 season, Leonard had three sacks, 132 total tackles, seven passes defended, and three forced fumbles in 14 games and starts.[53] He was ranked 37th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[54]
2021
editOn August 8, 2021, Leonard signed a five-year, $99.25 million contract including a $52.5 million guaranteed extension with the Colts, making him the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL.[55]
In Week 15, Leonard had 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception in a 27–17 win over the Patriots, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[56] In the 2021 season, Leonard had 122 total tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defended, and eight forced fumbles.[57] His eight forced fumbles led the NFL in the 2021 season.[58]
Leonard was named Associated Press First Team All-Pro.[59] He is a four-time All-Pro choice (First Team in 2018, 2020 and 2021; Second Team in 2019). Leonard has the most total All-Pro selections and the most First Team All-Pro selections by a linebacker in Colts history.[60]
He was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl (third of his career).[61] He was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[62]
During the following offseason, Leonard had surgery on his back to correct nerves being impinged by his disks.[63][64]
2022
editLeonard missed the first three weeks of the season while recovering from offseason back surgery. He returned in Week 4, and suffered a concussion and broken nose in the game, missing the next three games. He suffered a setback in his back injury leading up to Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2022, ending his season.[65][66]
Philadelphia Eagles
editIn early November 2023, Leonard expressed his frustration over the Colts coaches choosing to give him limited defensive snaps in the 2023 season compared to previous seasons despite him feeling recovered from his back surgery.[67] Leonard was waived by the Colts on November 21, 2023.[68] On December 4, 2023, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.[69]
NFL career statistics
editLegend | |
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Led the league | |
Bold | Career high |
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | TD | ||
2018 | IND | 15 | 15 | 163 | 111 | 52 | 7.0 | 8 | 2 | 38 | 19.0 | 28 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
2019 | IND | 13 | 13 | 121 | 71 | 50 | 5.0 | 7 | 5 | 92 | 18.4 | 80T | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
2020 | IND | 14 | 14 | 132 | 86 | 46 | 3.0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
2021 | IND | 16 | 16 | 122 | 75 | 47 | 0.0 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 3.0 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
2022 | IND | 3 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2023 | IND | 9 | 9 | 65 | 34 | 31 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
PHI | 5 | 3 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Career | 75 | 71 | 637 | 397 | 240 | 16.0 | 31 | 12 | 157 | 13.1 | 80T | 1 | 17 | 7 | 0 |
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | TD | ||
2018 | IND | 2 | 2 | 27 | 15 | 12 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
2020 | IND | 1 | 1 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Career | 3 | 3 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
NFL awards
edit- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2018)
- AP First-team All-Pro (2018; 2020; 2021)
- AP Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2019–2021)
- 4× AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 2, 2018; Week 17, 2018; Week 17, 2020; Week 15, 2021)
- AFC Defensive Player of the Month (December 2018)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (September 2018)
Personal life
editLeonard is one of nine children born to a single mother. In middle school, two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. His older brother is former NFL player Anthony Waters. After a November 11, 2017 game in which South Carolina State defeated Hampton, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend, Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten.[70] In December 2018, Leonard announced that the couple were expecting a baby girl. On March 28, 2019, Mia Leonard was born. On June 4, 2021, they welcomed their second daughter, Laila.
Leonard appeared on the July 12, 2020, episode of Celebrity Family Feud in which several NFL rising stars took on retired NFL Hall of Famers, including Michael Irvin and Cris Carter.[71]
On July 26, 2022, at the Colts' training camp, Leonard told reporters that he preferred to be called by his middle name, Shaquille, rather than by his first name, Darius.[72]
References
edit- ^ Stankevitz, JJ (November 21, 2023). "Statements from Jim Irsay, Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen on Colts waiving LB Shaquille Leonard". Colts.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "Former Lake View HS standout, NFL star returns home for charity event and jersey retirement". WMBF News. October 15, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ "NFL Draft & Combine Profile – Darius Leonard". NFL.com. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
- ^ Cook, Joe (December 7, 2016). "SCSU's Darius Leonard Is MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year". WLTX. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ "Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State". cbssports.com. March 22, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
- ^ "S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: Leonard repeats as BoxToRow Defensive Player of the Year". The Times and Democrat. December 13, 2017. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Riccette, Billy (November 23, 2017). "2 local Carolina prospects accept Senior Bowl invites". Panthers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ Haggard, Mark (January 27, 2018). "Lake View's Darius Leonard dominates on defense at Senior Bowl". WPDE. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ Cook, Joe (January 27, 2018). "Darius Leonard Turns Heads at Senior Bowl". WLTX. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ a b "South Carolina State OLB Darius Leonard : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- ^ Kiper Jr., Mel (March 2, 2018). "Mel Kiper's Big Board and position rankings: Top 2018 NFL Draft prospects". ABC News. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ "NFL Draft Prospect Profile – Darius Leonard". NFL.com. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
- ^ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
- ^ Shepherd, Chris; Arthur, Jake (April 27, 2018). "Indianapolis Colts Select Darius Leonard with Pick 36 in NFL Draft". StampedeBlue.com. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
- ^ "Spotrac.com: Darius Leonard contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ Vonberg, Charon (July 16, 2018). "Predicting Who Will Start at Linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts". Indiana Sports Coverage. Archived from the original on January 31, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ Walker, Andrew (September 4, 2018). "Colts Release First Unofficial Depth Chart Of 2018 Regular Season". Colts.com. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ Keefer, Zak (September 10, 2018). "Thumbs up, thumbs down: Margus Hunt, Darius Leonard shine, Jack Doyle, Quincy Wilson don't". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ Doyel, Gregg (September 16, 2018). "Doyel: A star is born in Colts linebacker Darius Leonard". IndyStar. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
- ^ Knoblauch, Austin (September 19, 2018). "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among NFL Players of Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Walker, Andrew (September 25, 2018). "2018 Colts Rookie Watch: Week 3". Indianapolis Colts. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ Walker, Andrew (October 4, 2018). "Darius Leonard Named NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Month". Colts.com. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ Stano, Ryan (October 4, 2018). "Colts' Darius Leonard named NFL's DROTM". Horseshoe Heroes. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
- ^ "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts – November 18th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
- ^ Maya, Adam (January 2, 2019). "Josh Allen, Darius Leonard among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020.
- ^ Baca, Michael (January 3, 2019). "Titans' Derrick Henry among NFL Players of the Month". NFL.com. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ "Shaquille Leonard 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2018 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2018 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ "2018 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Wild Card - Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Divisional Round - Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs - January 12th, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2019 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Brissett spoils Titans' opener, rallying Colts to 19–17 win". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 15, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
- ^ "Colts take AFC South lead with 30–23 victory over Texans". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ^ "Dolphins cash in on Colts turnovers, earn 2nd straight win". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
- ^ "Blocked field goal helps Titans turn table with win at Indy". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 1, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ "Winston throws for 456 yards, 4 TDs as Bucs rally over Colts". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
- ^ Ayello, Jim (December 17, 2019). "Colts: Quenton Nelson, Darius Leonard elected to Pro Bowl". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Shaquille Leonard 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2019 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Phillip B. (December 18, 2019). "Colts' Darius Leonard 'Shocked' By Pro Bowl Honor". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
- ^ "nfl players with at least 5 sacks and 5 interceptions in a season". Statmuse. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ "2020 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – November 1st, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts – November 8th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
- ^ "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts – November 29th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
- ^ "Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – December 20th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts – January 3rd, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
- ^ Gordon, Grant (January 6, 2021). "Titans RB Derrick Henry, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
- ^ "2020 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2020 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Shaquille Leonard 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2021 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Shook, Nick (August 8, 2021). "Colts, All-Pro LB Darius Leonard agree to terms on five-year, $99.25M extension". NFL.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Gordon, Grant (December 22, 2021). "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce lead Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Shaquille Leonard 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2021 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "2021 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Stankevitz, JJ (January 14, 2022). "Colts' Darius Leonard, Luke Rhodes, Jonathan Taylor Named 2021 First-Team AP All-Pros". Colts.com. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
- ^ Stankevitz, JJ (December 22, 2021). "Seven Colts Players Named To 2022 Pro Bowl". Colts.com. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
- ^ "2022 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Mistretta, Joey (July 26, 2022). "Darius Leonard Breaks Silence On Return Timetable After Back Surgery". ClutchPoints. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Erickson, Joel A. (June 7, 2022). "Colts All-Pro LB Darius Leonard having back surgery, will miss time during training camp". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Colts Activate WR Ashton Dulin From Injured Reserve, Place LB Shaquille Leonard On Injured Reserve, Elevate TE Nikola Kalinic And RB Jordan Wilkins To Active Roster From Practice Squad". Colts.com. November 12, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Shaquille Leonard 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Holder, Stephen (November 9, 2023). "Shaquille Leonard frustrated over diminished role with Colts". ESPN. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ Stankevitz, JJ (November 21, 2023). "Colts waive LB Shaquille Leonard". Colts.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ Spadaro, Dave (December 4, 2023). "Eagles agree to terms with LB Shaquille Leonard". philadelphiaeagles.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ Cook, Joe (November 11, 2017). "Star Player Proposes To Girlfriend After SC State Win". WLTX.com. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Sims, Chris (July 8, 2020). "Colts LB Darius Leonard, NFL stars to battle on 'Celebrity Family Feud'". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Holder, Stephen (July 26, 2022). "A Colt by any other name: Leonard drops Darius". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
External links
edit- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
- Darius Leonard on Twitter
- South Carolina State Bulldogs bio