Early Life and Education of Shaquille Leonard: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 3, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Shaquille Leonard. A timeline of key moments.

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

July 27, 1995: Darius Shaquille Leonard Born

On July 27, 1995, Darius Shaquille Leonard was born. He later became a professional football linebacker.

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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 11, 2017: Proposed to Girlfriend Kayla

After a November 11, 2017 game in which South Carolina State defeated Hampton, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend, Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten.

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).

December 2018: Announced Expectation of First Child

In December 2018, Leonard announced that he and his wife Kayla were expecting a baby girl.

March 28, 2019: Birth of First Daughter, Mia Leonard

On March 28, 2019, Mia Leonard, Shaquille Leonard's first daughter, was born.

July 12, 2020: Appeared on Celebrity Family Feud

On July 12, 2020, Shaquille Leonard appeared on an episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" TV show. In the episode, several NFL rising stars took on retired NFL Hall of Famers.

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June 4, 2021: Birth of Second Daughter, Laila

On June 4, 2021, Shaquille and Kayla Leonard welcomed their second daughter, Laila.

July 26, 2022: Expressed Preference to be Called Shaquille

On July 26, 2022, at the Colts' training camp, Shaquille Leonard told reporters that he preferred to be called by his middle name, Shaquille, rather than by his first name, Darius.