Indianapolis Colts waive three-time All-Pro Shaquille Leonard in surprising move

The Indianapolis Colts today waived linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

Leonard, 6-2, 230 pounds, played in 70 career games (68 starts) with the Colts and totaled 614 tackles (385 solo), 32.0 tackles for loss, 15.0 sacks, 31 passes defensed, 12 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He also started three postseason contests and registered 39 tackles (24 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Leonard was originally selected by Indianapolis in the second round (36th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

In 2022, Leonard was the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and the Ed Block Courage Award. He was a four-time All-Pro choice (First Team in 2018, 2020 and 2021; Second Team in 2019). Leonard was also named to three Pro Bowls (2019-21). He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors four times and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month one time. Leonard was the 2018 Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay

“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery. 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.”

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard

“Shaq is the ultimate competitor and has been a fan favorite since he arrived as a rookie in 2018. 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.”

Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen

“I’m thankful for the energy Shaq brought to our team on a daily basis. He’s a competitor, a leader, and is respected among his teammates. I wish him all the best.”