Tuesday had to be a rough day for now-former Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard, but he handled the news of his release with absolute class.
After an injury-plagued 2022 and disappointing showing thus far in 2023, Leonard — a three-time first-team All-Pro selection — was released by the Colts just two years after signing a near-$100 million extension.
But even with the news coming as a shock to Leonard, he didn’t hide from his other obligations. On Tuesday, he was handing out turkeys at an Indianapolis-area church for Thanksgiving.
#Colts LB Shaq Leonard joked that he felt like Craig from the movie “Friday” since he got cut on his day off, but he still showed up to pass out turkeys to the Indy community for Thanksgiving.
“I’m all about giving back. Through tough times, good times, no matter what it is.” pic.twitter.com/EGm72Y0J7n
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 21, 2023
Though the Indianapolis Star did report some internal issues regarding Leonard, you don’t see many players attend charity events just hours after getting waived.
It was a great gesture from Leonard, and fans appreciated how he handled it all.
This was how Twitter reacted
Tip of the cap @dsleon45 https://t.co/dUN5Qf1r8a
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) November 21, 2023
All “business” decisions aside, his actions tell you everything you need to know about Shaq Leonard,the human.
I’ll always be grateful for the blood, sweat and tears that The Maniac put into the Colts franchise. His jersey will always be “in the rafters” of this household. https://t.co/NMSU8Xdb69
— Mitch B (@MyManMitchB) November 21, 2023
God Bless that man ❤️ A+++++ human being ❤️ https://t.co/xjYsclsiSm
— AbSURD (@Ab_Soulutely) November 21, 2023
This is really awesome https://t.co/i1aPoTKZfM
— AWLSabermetrics (@awlsabermetrics) November 21, 2023
A+ human being, hope he's not a free agent for long https://t.co/D6YtH8u0Au
— Jack Gaffney (@JackGaffneyTDT) November 21, 2023
Still serving the community! WHAT A CLASS ACT. I'll always be a fan @dsleon45 https://t.co/79ziCUofgf
— Roberto Barradas III (@robertbarradas3) November 21, 2023
While I’m uncertain how I feel about Leonard being cut from a football perspective, you can’t help but admire how much he loves this community. I hope he gets in the Ring of Honor some day. He deserves it. Best of luck in whatever comes next Shaq! https://t.co/EZdPGrnncm
— Stephen Reed (@NiceReedSteve) November 21, 2023
Says all you need to know about a man’s character 🙌🏾 https://t.co/PribLaMLPa
— Brian🥷🏾 (@SwingdatMF) November 21, 2023
Just the best dude. https://t.co/nPkUfJZsKu
— Austin Proffitt (@_austinproffitt) November 21, 2023
