Ex-Indianapolis Colts Star LB Gets Brutally Honest About ‘Stepping Away’ From Game For Good – Gridiron Heroics

After spending the first five and a half seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, Shaquille Leonard ended up moving on in the middle of the last season. Rather, it was the Colts who decided to move on from the former three-time All-Pro linebacker after waiving him in November of last year.

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Leonard as a free agent, but after a rather forgettable half-season with the squad, the 28-year-old now remains teamless as he navigates the waters of free agency.

Shaquille Leonard Has Nothing But Love for Indianapolis Colts

Despite his rather unceremonious exit from the team, Leonard’s loyalty to Indianapolis remains unwavering. Speaking at a recent philanthropic event in the city, the former Defensive Rookie of the Year professed his undying love for Indianapolis:

“Indianapolis gave me so much,” Leonard said, via Kyle Smedley of Journal & Courier. “For six and a half years, it’s been my home. I just want to give back as much as I possibly can to a town that means so much to me.”

As it turns out, not even the fact that the Colts waived him last season was enough for Leonard to turn his back on Indianapolis. Not after all that he’s been through with his beloved city.

Leonard also made it abundantly clear that he has no bad blood with the Colts organization, despite their unfortunate parting of ways:

“You’re blessed to be able to treat people with respect,” Leonard said. “I feel like I carried myself in the right way. I respect them and their decision to walk away from me. It doesn’t take away from our relationship as people. It’s just a blessing to know that they’re in my corner and they’re always gonna be there if I need them.”

Nothing but class from this fine man.

Time’s Up for Shaquille Leonard?

At this point in his career, Leonard is still working hard to find his next team. At the same time, however, the veteran has come to terms with the fact that this could be the end of the road for him:

“I’m moreso just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try,” Leonard said. “I just continue to be me by working hard.

“If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t. I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it. … I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”

If Leonard ends up calling time on his career, then he will undoubtedly look back on it without any regrets.

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