Over his first four seasons Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard appeared on track to be one of the league’s best linebackers for a decade or more. But on Tuesday, his tenure in Indianapolis came to an abrupt end.
Leonard was released today and spoke to reporters a short while ago. The three-time Pro Bowler said it was “shocking” and “the biggest surprise ever given the circumstances.
Leonard revealed that he had been told by Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley on Monday that he was being benched. The decision to release him came today, in a separate conversation with someone else
The now-free agent linebacker said that he was disappointed that he couldn’t see things through with the team given what he had done for them over the course of six seasons.
To clarify, Shaquille Leonard did not request his release per sources Ana his own words here.
Was told on Monday by DC Gus Bradley that he was being benched. Then, was told separately today of his release. pic.twitter.com/Aj0kaQ1yZc
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 21, 2023
As a rookie in 2018, Shaq Leonard led the league in tackles, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-Pro honors.
Over the next three seasons he would have over 120 tackles each year and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in each of those seasons.
But a series of injuries he suffered in 2022 limited him to just three games that season.
Leonard won’t be unemployed for long.