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The Indianapolis Colts made a surprising move on Tuesday when they released former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
Leonard was one of the best linebackers in the league for a number of years, making multiple All-Pro teams for the Colts.
Leonard was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year after being drafted by Indianapolis in 2018, coming from South Carolina State.
Leonard may have been released on Tuesday, but the linebacker showed great class by sticking to his commitment to the community.
Leonard handed out turkeys in the Indianapolis area on Tuesday afternoon, just hours after being released by the Colts.
Awesome: Despite getting cut by the #Colts earlier today, Shaq Leonard is still handing out free turkeys to Indianapolis families in need 👏❤
(via @RomeovilleKid)
pic.twitter.com/YpUBs0J5HOhttps://t.co/4gCBvHjPty— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 21, 2023
The last two seasons of Leonard’s career have been affected by injuries, slowing down his productivity. He only played in three games in 2022, making one start.
The Colts reduced Leonard’s playing time, cutting into the amount of snaps he played this season. He mentioned at times this season that he was upset by the reduction in snaps.
“It sucked hearing that. You’re already not playing on third [down]; you’re taking the reps on second down too,” he said.
“So, it’s very heartbreaking to get that, but it is what it is.”
“Through the good times and bad time, y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317,” Leonard said in his address to Colts fans.
“The energy at Lucas Oil [Stadium] has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory.”