Shaquille Leonard Stated Colts as Reason for Losing Love of NFL

The Indianapolis Colts have had some fantastic defensive players grace the organization's halls over the years.

However, none compare to the story and immediate impact of former Colts linebacker, Shaquille Leonard.

For the first four years of his time with the Colts, Leonard put up 538 tackles, 15.0 sacks, 17 fumbles forced, 30 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, and an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown.

He also accumulated three Pro Bowls, three First-Team All-Pros, a Second-Team All-Pro, and the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year honor. In short, Leonard was on a full-track to Hall of Fame status.

Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (blue and white uniform) walks disappointed on the field after a tough play. — Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) during the game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts lost in overtime, 29-23. | Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Unfortunately, everything came crashing down in 2022 when Leonard dealt with a debilitating herniated disc issue in his lower back that ruined his style of play, limiting him to three games in 2022. This also led to back surgery to quell the nerve issue.

Sadly, Leonard was never the same and was waived by the Colts in 2023. The Philadelphia Eagles scooped him up, but he was hardly a factor. He ended up retiring just a few years later at just 30-years-old.

Leonard's story is a tragic one, and he opened up about this on former Colts tight end Eric Ebron's YouTube show On My Soul.

Leonard didn't hold back and was very specific about who irritated him the most: former Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

"I don't think that I could take that mental hurt again when you give everything to somebody or an organization, and they said that I was a bad teammate?

They said that I wasn't doing treatment to make myself better? And I'm spending all this money, bringing all these people in, trying to get ready to go play for these guys?

That's what broke my heart. And when I say it broke my heart, it broke my heart to a point where I said I don't wanna play in the NFL anymore."

Leonard continued.

"If this is how ruthless it is. We were playing bad defensively, not just because of me. But, somebody had to take the blame. So, if the DC isn't taking the blame, next person's gotta go.

So I understood the business part of it where it's gotta be either you or me, but just be real about it. Don't tarnish my name and my reputation and what I've done for this organization to say I'm a bad person, bad teammate, bad leader, I don't do this.

I walked away from it because of that. I didn't feel like I could give my all to somebody and get stabbed in the back with Gus Bradley, man."

Former #Colts star LB Shaquille Leonard opens up about the ending of his Colts tenure and the feeling of betrayal by former DC Gus Bradley. pic.twitter.com/a7KQkYrKaD
— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) April 2, 2026

Leonard's relationship with Indianapolis began to deteriorate after he looked like a shell of himself following the massive nerve issue in his back.

Leonard was at his most dominant when playing under Matt Eberflus, but when Indianapolis hired Bradley to run the scheme in 2022, Leonard's role was dialed back exponentially.

Even with the back issue, it appeared like Bradley wasn't much of a fan of Leonard, and it showed during his interviews with the Indianapolis media.

#Colts LB Shaq Leonard, asked about DC Gus Bradley encouraging him to keep fighting for playing time:

"Everybody say they want you to keep that fighting edge until you step on toes. ..."

"I honestly don't know what to do. I put my best foot forward every day ... " https://t.co/5QvEIrqSNS
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 9, 2023

While Leonard can't completely blame Bradley for his downfall, especially considering the horrific nerve issue that grossly limited how well he could perform, it was very evident that Bradley didn't entirely support the Colts legend upon his arrival.

Leonard's story is a hazy, drama-filled one, and it will forever place a tag on him of "what could have been."

Even after Leonard was cut, he was still seen at Colts games and even gave our free turkeys to families in need around Thanksgiving 2023.

Great job Shaq Leonard, who gave out free turkeys to families even after getting cut by the #Colts.

These are the stories we should be telling in the media! Professional athletes are helping their communities every single day! 🫶🫶🫶

🎥: @romeoville_kid pic.twitter.com/BY8eMjbjV3
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 21, 2023

While Leonard's relationship with the team that helped cultivate his career ended in sour fashion, he should still be considered one of the greatest defenders Indianapolis has ever had on the field.

Time heals all wounds, and after how honest and open Leonard was on the matter with Bradley, there's nothing but respect for the formerly incredible linebacker.

Leonard's career was short, but dominant. I fully expect his name to one day be etched in Colts immortality as a part of the illustrious Ring of Honor in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Sign Up For the Colts Daily Digest - OnSI’s Indianapolis Colts Newsletter