The Colts honored veteran linebacker Shaquille Leonard during Week 12’s game against the Buccaneers, only five days after the franchise released him.
Leonard, who played six seasons with the Colts, was sitting in a suite at Lucas Oil Stadium when the franchise honored the three-time Pro Bowler with a video tribute thanking him for his contributions to the franchise. The 28-year-old was all smiles while watching the tribute alongside his wife, Kayla, and their two daughters inside the stadium.
During his Colts tenure, Leonard won the 2018 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the NFL with 163 tackles. He also earned three Pro Bowl nods as well as multiple All-Pro honors in his first four seasons, during which he generated more than 500 tackles.
Ahead of his fourth season in ’21, he signed a five-year, $99.25 million contract extension to become the highest-paid outside linebacker in the league. However, in his last two seasons, Leonard was limited to 12 games including only three in the ’22 campaign due to multiple injuries. Before the Colts released him, Leonard registered 65 tackles.
Former #Colts LB Darius Shaquille Leonard is at the game today in a suite and he got a massive standing ovation from fans. A pretty cool gesture for a beloved player. pic.twitter.com/GSRQhlFMoR
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 26, 2023
Prior to the franchise’s tribute at Sunday’s game, Leonard penned a heartfelt note to Colts fans following his release.
“These past six years have been incredible! Through the good times and the bad times, y’all stood by my side,” Leonard wrote. “I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317. The energy at Lucas Oil has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory.”
