Multi-Time All-Pro Shaq Leonard Calls It a Career

One of the most formidable defensive players of the late 2010s and early 2020s has officially called it a career as linebacker Shaquille Leonard has decided to hang up his cleats. Leonard’s tenure with the Indianapolis Colts embodied the kind of competitor and person he was both on and off the field. Renowned for his relentless physicality and fiery determination, Leonard earned the fitting nickname “The Maniac,” a testament to his devastating play that consistently left opponents and fans stunned.

Throughout his career, Leonard amassed an impressive array of accolades, including three First-Team All-Pro selections and the prestigious AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2018. Drafted by the Colts with the 36th overall pick in the second round—just 30 picks after they selected five-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson—Leonard quickly proved his worth far beyond his draft position.

His historic rookie season earned him a coveted spot on the AP First-Team All-Pro roster, an honor he shared with his rookie teammate, Quenton Nelson. Together, they became the first pair of rookie teammates to both receive First-Team All-Pro honors since the legendary Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers achieved the feat with the Chicago Bears back in 1965. Leonard’s impact on the Colts was unprecedented; no linebacker in franchise history has been named All-Pro or First-Team All-Pro more times than Leonard.

One of Leonard’s most staggering achievements came during the 2021 season, when he forced 12 total turnovers, setting the single-season NFL record for his position. His on-field prowess was undeniably among the best the sport has ever witnessed, combining speed, instinct, and raw power in ways few could match. Yet, despite his ferocity in the trenches, it was off the field where “The Maniac” showcased his greatest strengths—whether through leadership, community involvement, or mentoring younger players. Leonard’s legacy transcends statistics and highlights. His career leaves behind not just a record book, but a lasting impression as one of the most impactful linebackers and humble men the game has known.