Career Timeline of Shaquille Leonard: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Shaquille Leonard, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Darius Shaquille Leonard, nicknamed "Maniac", is a former American professional football linebacker who played six seasons in the NFL. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 after playing college football at South Carolina State. Leonard quickly made an impact, leading the league in tackles during his rookie season and earning First-Team All-Pro honors and Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He consistently demonstrated high-energy, productive play throughout his career.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: First NFL Player since 1982 to have 10-plus Sacks and Five-plus Interceptions in First 25 Games

In 2019, Shaquille Leonard became the first NFL player since 1982 to have 10-plus sacks and five-plus interceptions in his first 25 games.

2014: Led SCSU in Tackles as a Freshman

In 2014, as a redshirt freshman, Leonard led South Carolina State University (SCSU) in tackles with 86, including 14 for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.

2015: First-Team All-Conference Selection

In 2015, Leonard recorded 70 stops, 13 1/2 for loss, with five sacks and two interceptions, earning a first-team all-conference selection as a redshirt sophomore.

2016: MEAC Defensive Player of the Year

After the 2016 season, Leonard was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) defensive player of the year. During the season, he totaled 124 tackles, 14 1/2 tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles.

November 20, 2017: Accepted invitation to 2018 Senior Bowl

On November 20, 2017, Leonard accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.

2017: Named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Again

After the 2017 season, Leonard was named the MEAC defensive player of the year award again. During the season, he posted career highs in total tackles (113) and sacks (8 1/2).

January 27, 2018: Participated in 2018 Senior Bowl

On January 27, 2018, Leonard played in the 2018 Senior Bowl, recording a game-high 14 combined tackles. His performance significantly boosted his draft stock.

March 20, 2018: Participated in South Carolina State's Pro Day

On March 20, 2018, Leonard participated at South Carolina State's pro day and performed the rest of his combine drills.

July 23, 2018: Signed Four-Year Contract with the Colts

On July 23, 2018, Shaquille Leonard signed a four-year, $7.24 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, including $4.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.35 million.

September 16, 2018: Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

On September 16, 2018, Shaquille Leonard was named the American Football Conference (AFC) Defensive Player of the Week after collecting a season-high 19 combined tackles and making his first career sack.

October 4, 2018: Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

On October 4, 2018, Shaquille Leonard was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month after totaling 54 combined tackles and four sacks in September.

November 18, 2018: Recorded First Career Interception

On November 18, 2018, Shaquille Leonard made his first career interception during a game against the Tennessee Titans.

2018: Named First Team All-Pro

In 2018, Shaquille Leonard was named Associated Press First Team All-Pro.

2018: Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts

In 2018, Shaquille Leonard was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the NFL draft. He played college football for the South Carolina State Bulldogs before being drafted.

2018: Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft

In 2018, Shaquille Leonard was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round with the 36th overall pick in the NFL draft.

January 5, 2019: Started First Career Playoff Game

On January 5, 2019, Shaquille Leonard started in his first career playoff game and recorded 13 combined tackles during a victory against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round.

2019: Voted into First Pro Bowl Appearance

Following the 2019 season, Shaquille Leonard was voted into his first Pro Bowl appearance. He had a team-leading 121 tackles, five sacks, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles, despite missing three games due to injury.

2019: Named Second Team All-Pro

In 2019, Shaquille Leonard was named Associated Press Second Team All-Pro.

2020: Named First Team All-Pro

In 2020, Shaquille Leonard was named Associated Press First Team All-Pro.

2020: Named to Second Pro Bowl and Earned First Team All-Pro Honors

In the 2020 season, Shaquille Leonard was named to his second Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors. He had three sacks, 132 total tackles, seven passes defended, and three forced fumbles in 14 games and starts.

August 8, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with the Colts

On August 8, 2021, Shaquille Leonard signed a five-year, $99.25 million contract extension with the Colts, making him the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL.

2021: Named First Team All-Pro

In 2021, Shaquille Leonard was named Associated Press First Team All-Pro.

2021: Led the NFL in Forced Fumbles

In the 2021 season, Shaquille Leonard had 122 total tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defended, and eight forced fumbles. His eight forced fumbles led the NFL in the 2021 season.

November 12, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve, Ending Season

On November 12, 2022, Shaquille Leonard was placed on injured reserve due to a setback in his back injury, ending his season.

2022: Named to Third Consecutive Pro Bowl

In 2022, Shaquille Leonard was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

November 21, 2023: Waived by the Colts

On November 21, 2023, Shaquille Leonard was waived by the Indianapolis Colts.

December 4, 2023: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

On December 4, 2023, Shaquille Leonard signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded one sack and 23 combined tackles.

2024: Not Playing in the League

In 2024, Shaquille Leonard did not play in the league.

October 1, 2025: Announced Retirement as a Colt

On October 1, 2025 the Indianapolis Colts announced Shaquille Leonard would retire as a Colt after not playing in the league for the 2024 season. During his time with the team, he accumulated 614 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 31 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.