Shaquille Leonard Announces Retirement as Colts Honored at Halftime of Week 5 Game Against Raiders
Shaquille Leonard to Retire as a Member of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium
Shaquille Leonard, the revered former linebacker and a three-time first-team AP All-Pro, is set to retire as a member of the Indianapolis Colts this weekend. Known for his dynamic presence on the field, Leonard last played in the NFL in 2023. He will bid farewell at the Colts’ Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium.
A Grand Farewell at Lucas Oil Stadium
The retirement ceremony will take place during halftime, where Leonard will address fans directly from the field. Before the kickoff, Leonard, famously dubbed “The Maniac,” will partake in the Colts’ pregame tradition as the anvil striker. Additionally, a press conference is scheduled for Sunday morning at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Remarkable NFL Journey
Leonard was drafted by the Colts as the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Initially met with skepticism by some analysts, Leonard quickly proved his worth by leading the NFL with 163 tackles in his rookie season. His exceptional performance earned him the 2018 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year title and a spot on the AP All-Pro first team.
| Season | Accolades | Stats Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, First-team AP All-Pro | 163 tackles, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles |
| 2019 | Second-team AP All-Pro, Pro Bowl | 5 interceptions, 5 sacks, 121 tackles |
| 2020 | First-team AP All-Pro | 132 tackles, 7 pass break-ups |
| 2021 | First-team AP All-Pro, Pro Bowl | 8 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions |
Challenges and Resilience
Despite his impressive career, Leonard’s journey was not without challenges. He battled through injuries in 2021, famously stating that his persistent ankle pain was simply “attached.” After surgeries in 2022, he played only three games but managed to make a return in 2023, playing nine games. However, ongoing injuries led to his release from the Colts in November, and he subsequently joined the Philadelphia Eagles for five games to end the season.
Legacy On and Off the Field
Leonard’s contributions extend beyond the football field. In 2022, he was nominated as the Colts’ Walter Payton Man of the Year and received the Ed Block Courage Award. His efforts in the Indianapolis community have left an enduring impact, with Colts’ late Owner and CEO Jim Irsay stating, “Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy… Off the field, he’s a servant leader… We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”
This weekend, Indianapolis will celebrate Leonard’s remarkable career and lasting legacy with the Colts, as fans and teammates honor “The Maniac” one last time at Lucas Oil Stadium.
