To say the news of his release from the Colts was “shocking” would be an understatement for veteran linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
“It was the biggest surprise ever,” Leonard said at his turkey giveaway in Indianapolis on Tuesday, hours after the Colts announced his release.
“But I don’t make those decisions. It was shocking.”
The move, which a source described to Fox 59 in Indianapolis as “a personnel decision, period,” sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with Colts owner Jim Irsay remarking on X that it’s a “tough business.”
Leonard began his NFL career with the Colts, who selected him 36th overall in the 2018 draft.
He expressed gratitude for the organization on social media in the wake of his release.
‘Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms. These past 6 years has been nothing but incredible!” Leonard’s message on X began.
“Through the good times and bad time y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317. The energy in Lucas Oil has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory. I’m thankful to play for such an amazing fan base. I love you guys and wish the Colts nothing but the best!”
Leonard, who underwent two back surgeries in 2022, had previously expressed frustration about his role in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old had been looking to meet with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley this month, with the conversation taking place on Monday.
“The first thing was ‘You are going to be inactive,'” Leonard said of his would-be status for Sunday versus the Buccaneers.
“I told them a month ago, ‘Yes, I want to play. There’s no question I want to play.’ But I always told them if [ linebacker] E.J. [Speed]’s playing better than me, I have no problem with E.J. being the starter.”
Leonard, a three-time First-Team All-Pro, believed, “If I wasn’t going to play, I was going to be a backup.”
“I did not think I was going to get the boot and get fired on my day off,” he said.
Leonard’s base salary for 2023 is $15.7 million, according to Spotrac, and he has $6.5 million guaranteed for injury in 2024.
The three-time Pro Bowler, who is expected to clear waivers, has no intentions of calling it a career anytime soon.
“I don’t want to think about retirement for another couple of years,” Leonard said.
“I just want to play no matter where it’s at. I want to be with a team that wants me for who I am. I want coaches that want me for who I am. . . . I’m confident in my ability. I always have been.”