The Indianapolis Colts waived three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Tuesday.
Leonard broke the news of his own release Tuesday afternoon on social media by thanking the Colts fans.
“I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms,” Leonard wrote on Twitter. “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. I’m thankful to play for such an amazing fan base. I love you guys and wish the Colts nothing but the best. Maniac out.”
Indy, I thank you ?? pic.twitter.com/VxMa1VU2IA
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) November 21, 2023
Leonard, a 28-year-old South Carolina native, has 65 tackles in nine games (all starts) this season.
Injuries limited him to three games in 2022. He had season-ending back surgery last November.
He became the highest-paid linebacker in the league in August 2021 when he signed a five-year, $98.5 million contract. The Colts will be on the hook for nearly $27 million in dead-cap money if another team doesn’t claim him off waivers.
“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout and fumble recovery,” Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay said. “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.”
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Leonard has totaled 614 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks and 12 interceptions in 70 games (68 starts) since Indianapolis drafted him in the second round in 2018.
“Shaq is the ultimate competitor and has been a fan favorite since he arrived as a rookie in 2018,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “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.”
In a corresponding move, the Colts added linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
He has played in 67 career games (45 starts) in his time the Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-19), Cleveland Browns (2020-22) and Colts. The 26-year-old has 219 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 23 passes defensed, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
The Colts (5-5) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) on Sunday.
–Field Level Media
