Last Updated: November 22, 2023, 01:30 IST
INDIANAPOLIS: Indianapolis waived three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Tuesday in a shocking transfer after the Colts performed themselves again into the playoff race.
The choice to half methods with Leonard, the 2018 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, comes shortly after he complained publicly about his decreased enjoying time this season.
Indy (5-5) was attempting to carry again the playmaking linebacker slowly after present process two again surgical procedures to restore a nerve damage.
“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms,” Leonard wrote partially in a social media put up. “These past six years has been nothing but incredible! Through the good times and the bad y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that (Lombardi) trophy back to the 317.”
The Colts didn’t have participant availability Tuesday, their typical time off. Indy had a bye final week after beating the New England Patriots in Germany to get again to .500.
Leonard was finest identified for 2 traits on the sphere — his means to chase down opponents and his penchant for creating turnovers.
The damage restricted these expertise considerably in 2021 and 2022, when he missed all however three video games due to a number of accidents.
“Shaq is the ultimate competitor and has been a fan favorite since he arrived as a rookie in 2018,” normal manger Chris Ballard stated in an announcement. “We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to the team and the city of Indianapolis over the last six seasons. We wish him the best and he will always be a valued member of the Horseshoe.”
Leonard performed in 70 video games, making 68 begins and had 614 tackles in 6 1/2 seasons. He had 32 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 31 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, 17 compelled fumbles and 7 fumble recoveries.
Last yr, he was Indy’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and the group’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.
He had 65 tackles in 9 video games this season however had no sacks, no interceptions, no compelled fumbles and no fumble recoveries.
“Colts Nation will always remember ‘The Maniac’s’ palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” group proprietor Jim Irsay stated in an announcement.
“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.”
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
