Shaquille Leonard announces surprising Colts release

Shaquille Leonard is done in Indianapolis.

The veteran linebacker, 28, announced his release from the Colts on Tuesday, weeks after expressing frustration with his playing time.

“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms. These past 6 years has been nothing but incredible! Through the good times and bad time y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317. The energy in Lucas Oil has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory,” Leonard wrote on X.

Shaquille Leonard on the Colts sideline in October 2023.

Getty Images

“I’m thankful to play for such an amazing fan base. I love you guys and wish the Colts nothing but the best!”

Colts owner Jim Irsay noted it was a “tough business” above the team’s statement on X.

“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” Irsay said in a separate statement.

“Off the field, he’s a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization. We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”

Indy, I thank you 💜 pic.twitter.com/VxMa1VU2IA

— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) November 21, 2023

Colts general manager Chris Ballard lauded Leonard as the “ultimate competitor.”

“We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to the team and the city of Indianapolis over the last six seasons. We wish him the best and he will always be a valued member of the Horseshoe,” Ballard said.

Leonard was originally selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The four-time Pro Bowler, who underwent back surgery last November, recently expressed disappointment about his dwindling role on defense.

Shaquille Leonard looks to tackle Ezekiel Elliott during the Patriots-Colts game in Germany on Nov. 12, 2023.

DeFodi Images via Getty Images

“It sucks that you’re already not playing on third (down), and then you’re taking down the reps on first and second,” Leonard said, according to the Indy Star.

“It’s very heartbreaking to hear that but it is what it is. I just got to continue to get better, continue to play hard, continue to be the best guy I can for this team and for this defense.”

Leonard’s base salary for 2023 is $15.7 million, according to Spotrac, and he has $6.5 million guaranteed for injury in 2024.

Should Leonard clear waivers, as expected, he will become a free agent.