Leaders of the Colts Share Their Thoughts on Shaquille Leonard’s Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

The news that former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard had been dismissed by the Indianapolis Colts shocked the NFL.

Leonard, a pillar of this defense for many years, is no longer with Indianapolis.The Colts parted ways with one of their most decorated defensive players in team history due to frustrations with playing time and declining play. Admirers and colleagues in the organization will remember Leonard for a very long time.

Head coach Shane Steichen praised the player on Wednesday, calling him a “wonderful teammate, tremendous leader, and a ton of respect for what he’s done throughout the six years he’s been here with this organization, not only the club, but the city.” “Leaving players, particularly one as good as his, is never easy. We want the best for him in the future.

Even if the NBA and fans were surprised by the news, it is nothing compared to what Leonard’s now-former colleagues are going through in that locker room. Leonard had been teammates with a few players since they first joined the league. They had battled the Maniac, going through the highs and lows that the Colts had throughout Leonard’s five and a half years with the team.

DeForest Buckner is one athlete who has been close to Leonard ever since he moved to Indiana. The Colts’ defense was bolstered by an All-Pro pair that Buckner and the team acquired in 2020. Not only did Buckner understand Leonard’s game at its best, but he also understood the kind of person he was off the field.

 

individual, a fantastic teammate, and a player. He would make you grin every day with the enthusiasm he brought. It was painful to watch him leave yesterday. It’s a challenging aspect of the company. It’s simply difficult. Seeing your teammates go, whether by trade or cut, is never easy. Because of the man he is, the player he is, and the way he constantly tries to help others, this one struck home a little bit more. He will be missed for that.

Zaire Franklin is another teammate who perhaps knew Leonard the best of all of them. Leonard and Franklin grew up in the NFL together and were selected in the same class by the Colts in 2018. Since joining the league, the two have encouraged one another to improve every day, and they have both served as team captains for several seasons. It will take some getting used to being split apart for the first time as pros after maybe being one of the best linebacking tandems in the league.

When asked what was on his mind, Franklin answered softly, “Honestly, I was simply astonished.” “On Monday, as he was leaving the building, I had a brief conversation with him. He hinted at what would happen in a vague way. Honestly, I didn’t think it was real. I thought that sounded so absurd. It was difficult to kind of watch things come to an end because I had been here for the entire trip. However, as soon as I learned of the news, I texted him to let him know how much I loved and respected him and how much I agreed with all he stood for. Though difficult, we must proceed.

The loss of Leonard will affect more than just the defense.No matter where you were on the field or where you were in the depth chart, the linebacker had an effect on the whole squad. Every player in that locker room has been impacted, even those on the attacking end of the ball.

“You know he’s a terrific leader for us, a wonderful guy in the locker room, and a fantastic player, and you lose a guy who everybody has so much regard for,” Gardner Minshew said. “Obviously, everyone needs to raise that much more at any time—whether it’s via that, trades, or someone becoming hurt. Leaders need to take the initiative in the locker room. Without a doubt, we will miss having this guy around.

Jonathan Taylor stated bluntly, “He’s a leader on this squad, and he has been a leader on this team.” Along with being a valuable member of this squad, he has made significant contributions to the community. It was evident to you all the other day when he was distributing turkeys. It hurts when something like that occurs. It aches. Excellent vigor followed the bye. That was one I didn’t anticipate.”