A former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker who spent part of one season with the team has announced his retirement from the NFL.
The Indianapolis Colts revealed on Wednesday that linebacker Shaquille Leonard is hanging up his cleats. The decision comes after six seasons and 75 games (71 starts) in the NFL.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Leonard was once one of the very best linebackers in the NFL before back injuries completely changed the trajectory of his career.
"Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac's palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery," late Colts Owner Jim Irsay said in a statement in 2023. "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."
After five-plus seasons with the Colts, Leonard was waived by Indy in 2023 and he then latched on with the Eagles, where he appeared in five games (three starts) and tallied 23 tackles, one QB hit, two tackles for loss and one sack.
In 2024, Leonard was not brought back by Philly and he didn't sign with another team the rest of the year, which was the first sign that his career might be over.
“I’m more so just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try,” he said of his future last year. “I just continue to be me by working hard. If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t.
"I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it. I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”"
While Leonard's time with the Eagles was forgettable, he will go down as one of the best defenders in Colts history and he has no doubt left his mark on the franchise.
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