Shaquille Leonard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Shaquille Leonard.

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.

1994: Most Tackles in First Four Weeks of Season Since 1994

On October 4, 2018, it was noted that Shaquille Leonard had the most combined tackles in the first four weeks of the season since 1994.

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.

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).

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.

2018: Named First Team All-Pro

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

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.

2020: Ranked 50th on NFL Top 100 Players of 2020

Shaquille Leonard was ranked 50th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

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.