A week after Leonard accepted his first Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award in December 2016, he was back in Lake View, up in the booth for us on the headsets during the state championship game. Darius Leonard 'fell out of love' with football in 2021, spent time Its been 7 years since you left this crazy world and it still seems just like it was yesterday! [Clemson coach] Dabo Swinney told him after the game that they missed out on not getting him, Ford recalled. [32] In Week 14, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Leonard recorded nine tackles and intercepted two passes thrown by Jameis Winston, one of which was returned for an 80 yard pick six, during the 3835 loss. Select-A-Seat | May 6 | Lucas Oil Stadium. Soon, he realized that what he loved was her. "It just shows that you're loved," he said. brother, Keivonte Waters, in 2012. Anger. The phenomenon comes from an interaction between two stars one living, one dead. The family wasnt well off. It's fun to have someone who loves what you love.". Waters was a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2007, but was out of the league by 2010. Make sure you put that in there," he laughed. Darius wanted to follow his brothers path. "It changed our whole life, our relationship. His wife, Kayla, is the only person who sees that he occasionally aches from the trauma of his past. But when his girlfriend, Emma, came into his life - she brought Jake with her. He also had seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Used to be that whenever a wave of anxiety like that would hit me, I'd think I was having a heart attack. Leonard is one of nine children to a single mother. Cast aside by his dream school, labeled one of the worst picks in the draft. Darius entered the professional arena after the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. [46], Leonard missed the first three weeks of the season while recovering from offseason back surgery. didn't reach out. Why did Darius Leonard change his name to Shaquille? - Sportskeeda The Lifelong Love Story Of Darius And Kayla Leonard - Indianapolis Colts The Colts beat the Houston Texans 21-7 in the wild-card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. Leonard at the home of his in-laws. Or he was playing baseball or at home playing cards with friends. Leonard was never a top-rated prospect, particularly not before a growth spurt after his junior year of high school, but he was good enough to garner interest from several schools. In 2010, he won a Super Bowl with the Saints. I told him I was ready for him to go back to school.. Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts Dec 15, 2020 I still can't sleep some nights. Leonard heard the news that his brother, Keivonte Waters, had died a day after an altercation at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, which was about 25 minutes from Lake View. Veteran RB Latavius Murray signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, the team announced Monday. Where Did Darius Leonard Go To High School - Highschool Cube Do check my articles through Players Bio. A class clown, Leonard had to work in his senior year to get his grades and SAT scores high enough to be Division 1-eligible. instead of seeking out mental health support. Thomas and Darren 'I'll give it one last whirl.'". On July 27, 2022, he tweeted on Twitter that he has been using Shaquille since 1995. Who Is Angelia Jefferson? Even though his brothers are in prison, he communicates with them frequently. [13], On July 23, 2018, Leonard signed a four-year, $7.24 million contract that included $4.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.35 million. Leonard and Kayla graduated the next semester. He was with us every day at practice, King says. But Darius saw what members of his family went through while he was growing up, and he didnt want any part of it.. Anthony entered the professional arena when the San Diego Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Before all of his football success, though, Leonard had to overcome a lot. Colts linebacker Darius Leonard said he wants to be known by his middle name, Shaquille. He posted 70 stops the following year (2015), 13.mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}12 of those for loss, with five sacks and two interceptions to earn a first-team all-conference selection as a redshirt sophomore. Darius Leonard on love, loss and second chances Andscape '", "I got officially married in some South Carolina State shorts, a Colts t-shirt, and some Jordan retros," he laughed. Similarly, his second oldest brother, Cody Waters, is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. In his rookie season, Leonard showed enormous potential. as host to discuss their "struggles and breakthroughs and the Leonard explained that his family has always called him Shaquille growing up. And the Eagles feel the same way about their new acquisition, with GM Howie Roseman already looking forward to seeing what Swift can do playing with his hometown team. During his freshman year, Keivonte came home for the holidays and spent Thanksgiving with his family. He is also the younger brother to former NFL player Anthony Waters. Damn I miss you man, A post shared by Darius Shaquille Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Dec 15, 2019 at 5:35am PST, Robert Mathis Went From Underrated Fifth-Round Pick to $70 Million Sack Artist. In Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leonard led the team with 10 tackles and recorded a strip sack on Mike Glennon that was recovered by the Colts during the 2814 win. Leonard's enjoyment of football was further hindered by a bout with COVID-19 at a crucial point of the 2021 regular season, as well as the seemingly constant pull of worry about a couple of sick . Darius Leonard Girlfriend: All About Kayla Sanderson! "It definitely was . The rise - and rage - of The Maniac twitter comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment She didnt want me to have to be fist-bumping my family through the glass [in prison] like my brothers. This article was last updated by Krisha Shrestha on April 26, 2023. Super successful country singer Darius Rucker's family - BHW With a lifetime of memories behind them and a lifetime before them, the story of Darius and Kayla is many chapters long. [5], On November 20, 2017, it was announced that Leonard had accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl. Thats Darius being Darius. So I just asked her, 'Will you marry me?'". I was giving her a hard time. [26] Leonard recorded the most tackles among all players as a rookie in 2018. He was also the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. His play ultimately helped him earn First-Team All-Pro honors. When high school was over, Darius went to South Carolina State to play football. Find your dream seats at our Select-A-Seat event taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium on May 6! However, Clemson was waiting for Leonard to qualify academically before offering him a scholarship. Denial. "That's better than keeping According to Colts.com, he was the first player since Bryan Cox in 1992 to record at least 125 tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles in a single season. Darius could have derailed his future by trying to get revenge. It was a matter of surviving and making do. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Charlie is reportedly in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, Leonard said, according to ESPN. His NFL aspirations were alive and well. The All-Pro linebacker said he was hesitant to correct people about his name as he entered the league in 2018, which was influenced by the advice given to him by Hall of Famer Randy Moss as a rookie to "keep your mouth closed, keep eyes and ears open. It was definitely great seeing her come around the corner in that beautiful dress.". their basement and the commercial comes on, and maybe they think, Darius is very much alive. Lolo Jones Sister- Brother James Who Is Elisavet Tsitsipas? But the highlight of his SCSU career came after his final home game, a 33-15 win over Hampton University. I met him at the courthouse and he had on workout clothes and I'm like, 'What are you doing? When I lost my brother, when I didn't have anything - she was always there," said Darius. "Me breaking down, showing my If theres music playing at practices or games, he is dancing. And her eyes - they kept me coming back.". When I was dirt broke, she was still right beside me. [25] He finished his rookie season in 2018 with 163 combined tackles (111 solo), eight pass deflections, seven sacks, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. video Mini-Movie: 2022 postseason, from Jags' 27-point comeback to Kelce brothers'. Daryl King, their high school coach, would frequently phone Waters. He was among the Saints early-September final cuts. Darius Leonard Bio, Age, stars, Net worth, Contrats, He completed the bench press, 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash at the NFL Combine. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. She was very good at all three sports," he said. Popularity of Darius Leonards Brother Over The Past 12 Months (Source: Google). I love you lil ugly dude! at your next game day gathering! He also said that Cody is in prison for being an accessory at a wrong place, wrong time, ESPN also reported. Thats the kind of guy is, King says. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. Despite missing three games due to injury, Leonard had a team-leading 121 tackles including 71 solos, six tackles for loss, five sacks, six passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. If you want to know more about Darius, follow him on his, Darius Leonard Brother | Popularity Graph. "It was definitely tough being away from the team, not being able to go out there and help your brothers out," Leonard said. After trading D'Andre Swift to the Eagles on Saturday, Lions GM Brad Holmes went on record as saying that the exchange was a "win-win for all parties involved." "It felt unreal - him being on the phone and watching it on TV. By his senior year, Darius' journey to the NFL had begun. Leonard is one of nine children five brothers, three sisters. He had an impressive game against ACC powerhouse Clemson, totaling 19 tackles. INDIANAPOLIS Darius Leonard always believed he was the best linebacker in football. By the start of his senior year, Darius was lining up at five positions: running back, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and punter. In the third grade, I wore thong sandals to school, Leonard remembers. For the time being, Leonard remains shelved for the start of training camp, but he said the recovery has been going well. Kayla and Darius have known each other for almost their entire lives. Indianapolis locks up Darius Leonard with richest LB contract The Colts defense went from 27th in defense-adjusted value over average in 2017 to 10th with Leonard in 2018. His five interceptions led all linebackers and tied for fourth in the entire NFL. Leonard is one of nine children five brothers, three sisters. 2 brothers in prison, another killed. Sleepless nights, grief - Reddit He fiercely raises the hand sign of his frat, Omega Psi Phi while he does a jubilant, wide-legged jig. She couldn't come up and see me," he said. [22] On November 18, 2018, Leonard made seven combined tackles, one pass deflection, one sack, and his first career interception during a 3810 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. Its still hard on him, his mother says. Latest on Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Leonard waited and waited for a scholarship offer to come after attending football camp there before his junior and senior years. Tyrell passed away in 2021 while Dante was killed in a car accident recently. "We were actually in the same class," she said. you're having mental health issues.". Did Darius Leonard change his name to Shaquille? Even now, on the bad days, the routine is always the same. Hes never considered that it could do both. Their efforts will officially begin Darius Leonard: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know - FamousDetails @dsleon45. Leonards life, however, hasnt always been great. So the temptation and peer pressure was always present. He also knows from experience the game he loves can be taken away from him in one play. We had a great time.". It's something we talked about, something that I really wanted.". Tarik Cohen injured during workout by Steven J. Gaither May 17, 2022 Lolo Jones Sister- Brother James Jones Jr, Who Is Elisavet Tsitsipas? "I left work early because I was teaching and I had my work clothes on. "My kindergarten classmates were my graduating classmates.". He also said that Cody is in prison for being an "accessory at a wrong place, wrong time," ESPN also reported. I wasn't happy. That's what the Colts and Red Gold have done for more than a decade - and it's something they look forward to doing for years to come. Her personality is great. On November 11, 2017, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten, after SC State beat Hampton. The tiny gray townhouse in Mullins, South Carolina. Darius Leonard steps out of his in-laws house on a five-acre farm. [2] After the 2016 season, Leonard was named the MEAC defensive player of the year, making SC State the first school to win the award four years in a row. Every time I look at football, I look at life, I know how quick life can change, Leonard said, according to ESPN. Darius Leonard grew up in a small town, Lake View, in Dillon County, South Carolina, United States. The furry face of the franchise since 2006 - this summer, Colts mascot, Blue, will be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. He, however, still talks to them regularly as Charlie writes him a letter after every game. Despite their scarcity, the meals were good. His oldest brother, Charlie Waters, is serving a life sentence for murdering an 18 years old girl during an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant. They left the hospital early the next morning, believing Keivonte was going to survive. As a child Leonard looked up to and would compete with his brother Anthony Waters with hopes to one day follow in his footsteps to play football at Clemson. Leonard has two brothers in prison for murder, while one other brotherhis best friend, the one who slept next to him for 17 yearsdied after getting clubbed in the back of the head at a. ", Added Leonard: "I was only called Darius when I was in school or when I was in trouble.". He is also the younger brother to former NFL player Anthony Waters. with other NFL players, including the Atlanta Falcons' Hayden Hurst For Colts star Darius Leonard, it's takeaways on the field, giving back "We were all around him watching TV and he was on the phone with Chris Ballard and the family got so loud he had to tell everybody to be quiet. Colts star Darius Leonards first two years in the league have been among the best debuts ever by a linebacker. According to our research, Anthony has 9 siblings. there is only one other way this could possibly go.". Every Friday that he didnt have a game, Leonard was on the sideline with Lake View. While the concussion . But through it all - their love has only grown. So much joy - I was definitely happy. Leonard was everywhere, recording a game-high 19 tackles and blocking a field goal. Did Pats make Mac Jones happy? Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard is entering his third NFL season as a star on the rise. From then on, Leonard was known as The Maniac. Leonards connection to the nickname went deeper than his teammates had anticipated. Growing up in Lake View, South Carolina, a town of less than 800 people - they pretty much knew everyone. Darius has 3 sisters and 2 brothers. It was a matter of getting by and adapting. professional football player, a linebacker, one of the most I keep my focus just seeing what my brother went through. I have a empty spot if my heart that nobody can fill up but you! Anthony Devonne Waters was born on July 25, 1985, in Dillon, South Carolina, to his single mother, Lynette Waters. In November, the Colts teamed up with Wagner Reese to kick off a monthlong celebration of events to salute and honor America's heroes. I had a big chip on my shoulder, he says. The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. after going through his own struggles following the death of his My chest gets tight. I definitely knew she was in it for all the right reasons. Katy Kellner Bio: Early Life, Husband, Baby Who Is Angelia Jefferson? "Her beautiful eyes," he said. "Then, I got nervous. I had my college friends there. Waters later played professionally. Tarik Cohen, Darius Leonard open up during Mental Health Awareness "We went to a party and I asked him to go with me and my friend," she said. Darius Leonard looked into the young man's eyes, and once he managed to look past the anguish and regret and hopelessness, he saw something that looked strangely familiar. [6] On January 27, 2018, Leonard played in the 2018 Senior Bowl and recorded a game-high 14 combined tackles (five solo) as part of Bill O'Brien's North team that defeated the South 4516. The Colts linebacker also didnt seek revenge on those who had a part in another brother's death during a fight in a nightclub in 2012. "We took a picture together and we were right beside each other. In general manager Ran Carthon's first draft in charge in Tennessee, the Titans made six selections, all of them on offense, the first time since at least 1994 that the club used all of its selections on one side of the ball. Nor is it an outlet to release the emotions he has bottled up. (He somehow was not a Pro Bowl selection.) When he returned home one day, Anthony recalls giving Darius a duffle bag filled with cones, resistance wires, and a speed ladder and telling him, If you want to make it, you will have to go and get it on your own.. Darius Leonard is an American football linebacker for the NFL team Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard rejoined his team last week, marking his long-awaited return to practice after being stuck in concussion protocol for three weeks. I dont take nothing for granted. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and prime-time regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand and more! Lake View's Leonard follows in brother's footsteps - SCNow The future of this man and this team might be determined by how those pressures affect the man he becomes. What got him through many of those childhood trials was his relationship with Keivonte. I couldn't sleep. Darius Leonard is an American football linebacker for the NFL team Indianapolis Colts. I just wanted to hug him, and say, Im sorry. . You have entered an incorrect email address! Spr 15. Instead of getting in with the wrong crowd, Leonard was using some wood to make a square rim to play basketball. Leonard missed three of those early games in concussion protocol after an injury in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. Hurt | By Darius Leonard - The Players' Tribune Kaylas friends were direct, she remembers: Why are you dating a black boy?, We lost friendships over it, says Leonard, who said people werent as bold when with him. We thought we knew what love was until she came," Kayla said. Leonard tried counseling too, but after four visits, he quit. Stefanos Tsitsipas Sister- Brother Petros Cameron Norrie Hair Transformation: Style And Color Before And Who Are Alvaro, Sergio And Jaime Alcaraz? Oh man, Im losing it, said Lynette Waters, the mother of Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard. Two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder, while he was in middle school Darius Leonard Height|Weight In 2011, an interracial relationship was still taboo in their tiny Southern town. In Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded a team high 14 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill once during the 4526 loss. He avoided those problems because he always wanted to be different in every aspect, said Chris Ford, one of Leonards closest childhood friends. So, he made it happen," she said. He became a two-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, and did play at Death Valley as an opponent. Colts' Darius Leonard feared for NFL career after missing substantial Everyone was related or acquainted with one another, and peer pressure was constant. On Saturday, July 30, NFL Network will present Training Camp: Back Together Saturday. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! Shaquille, for a long time. On October 14, 2009, Waters agreed to join the Buffalo Bills practice squad. The Indianapolis Colts made sure he gets paid like it. 2 brothers in prison, another killed. He eventually qualified, but by then he had already decided to attend South Carolina State University, a Football Championship Subdivision school. is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. For his performance, Leonard was once again awarded with AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Ranks: PPR | non-PPR | Cheat Sheets He was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year in his rookie season. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is not willing to shut the door on a potential return of running back Ezekiel Elliott after the first wave of free agency and the draft, telling reporters the "ship has not sailed.". He missed his rookie season in 2007 and played seven games for the Chargers in 2008. Beginning at 9 a.m. Headed into this season, the Colts were a trendy Super Bowl pick. [39] "I definitely loved that - an athlete who was just as good in their sport as I was in mine.". Check it out! [50], Leonard swoops in for recovery after blocked FG, Blaine Gabbert gifts Leonard his first career INT, "Former Lake View HS standout, NFL star returns home for charity event and jersey retirement", "NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Darius Leonard", "SCSU's Darius Leonard Is MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year", "Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State", "S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: Leonard repeats as BoxToRow Defensive Player of the Year", "2 local Carolina prospects accept Senior Bowl invites", "Lake View's Darius Leonard dominates on defense at Senior Bowl", "Darius Leonard Turns Heads at Senior Bowl", "South Carolina State OLB Darius Leonard: 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile", "Mel Kiper's Big Board and position rankings: Top 2018 NFL Draft prospects", "NFL Draft Prospect Profile - Darius Leonard", "Indianapolis Colts Select Darius Leonard with Pick 36 in NFL Draft", "Predicting Who Will Start at Linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts", "Colts Release First Unofficial Depth Chart Of 2018 Regular Season", "Thumbs up, thumbs down: Margus Hunt, Darius Leonard shine, Jack Doyle, Quincy Wilson don't", "Doyel: A star is born in Colts linebacker Darius Leonard", "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among NFL Players of Week", "Darius Leonard Named NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Month", "Colts' Darius Leonard named NFL's DROTM", "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - November 18th, 2018", "Josh Allen, Darius Leonard among Players of the Week", "Titans' Derrick Henry among NFL Players of the Month", "NFL Player stats: Darius Leonard (career)", "NFL Player stats: Darius Leonard (2018)", "Brissett spoils Titans' opener, rallying Colts to 19-17 win", "Colts take AFC South lead with 30-23 victory over Texans", "Dolphins cash in on Colts turnovers, earn 2nd straight win", "Blocked field goal helps Titans turn table with win at Indy", "Winston throws for 456 yards, 4 TDs as Bucs rally over Colts", "Colts' Darius Leonard 'Shocked' By Pro Bowl Honor", "Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions November 1st, 2020", "Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts - November 8th, 2020", "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - November 29th, 2020", "Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts - December 20th, 2020", "Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts - January 3rd, 2021", "Titans RB Derrick Henry, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins among Players of the Week", "Colts, All-Pro LB Darius Leonard agree to terms on five-year, $99.25M extension", "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce lead Players of the Week", "Colts' Darius Leonard, Luke Rhodes, Jonathan Taylor Named 2021 First-Team AP All-Pros", "Seven Colts Players Named To 2022 Pro Bowl", "A Colt by any other name: Leonard drops Darius", "Colts Activate WR Ashton Dulin From Injured Reserve, Place LB Shaquille Leonard On Injured Reserve, Elevate TE Nikola Kalinic And RB Jordan Wilkins To Active Roster From Practice Squad", "Star Player Proposes To Girlfriend After SC State Win", "Colts LB Darius Leonard, NFL stars to battle on 'Celebrity Family Feud', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaquille_Leonard&oldid=1150737032, 4x AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 2, 2018; Week 17, 2018; Week 17, 2020; Week 15, 2021), AFC Defensive Player of the Month (December 2018), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (September 2018), This page was last edited on 19 April 2023, at 21:59.
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