The Indianapolis Colts dropped a pretty big surprise Tuesday, parting ways with linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
Despite his early-career success, Leonard hasn’t been producing like the star who signed a five-year deal worth $99.25 million before the 2021 season. The nerve/back injury that required multiple surgeries kept him off the field in 2022 and when he did return in 2023, his role diminished significantly.
Leonard and the Colts disagreed on how he should be used throughout the season and coming out of the bye week, the organization made a surprising move to part ways with the three-time All-Pro.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the shocking news of Leonard’s release:
I think we all expected something to happen, but I doubt this, now, is what anyone had in mind https://t.co/msM85k96ox
— Matt Danely (@MDanelySB) November 21, 2023
Officially official. Still stunning. https://t.co/6YdWOnESuB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 21, 2023
A fan favorite that will be missed in Indianapolis on and off the field. https://t.co/6dM4k6DlEx
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) November 21, 2023
2018-2021 Leonard was one of the best stretches of football any LB has ever played. The stats speak to that. At his peak, he was one of the few game-breaking defensive players in the NFL. Injuries derailed a HOF career. This sucks but easily the right move by Indy. #MANIAC https://t.co/q9kMtywx8Z pic.twitter.com/AXh6lUgbKt
— Enjoyer of Sports (@AM_Colts) November 21, 2023
https://t.co/SKD00LtxHT pic.twitter.com/R6pSYOQsLH
— Wyatt Lenhart (@Lenny__11) November 21, 2023
What?! Good lord man. This sucks. https://t.co/6a1a9y56Gx
— Drake Wally (@DwallsterDrake) November 21, 2023
I mean. Been calling this for awhile. Just doesn’t have it anymore.
Someone like the Cowboys will pick him up https://t.co/2c6DiZnaAS
— Tony Donohue (@tonydindy) November 21, 2023
Just wow…. https://t.co/Bxcak7AxeW
— Zac Rossi (@RossZ88) November 21, 2023
Things I didn't expect to see today: https://t.co/grDWjT8WAo
— Luke Schultheis (@LuckAtLuke) November 21, 2023
Wait…what?! 😳 https://t.co/EjUrnGFmoR
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) November 21, 2023
https://t.co/9EaiFtOD63 pic.twitter.com/YlowV0sc2S
— Jordan (@NotJordanWitt) November 21, 2023
https://t.co/pquH0QsZTr pic.twitter.com/OwReuQ1mZr
— Jack Ragnow (@Ragnow79) November 21, 2023
One of my favorite Colts of all-time. Damn shame https://t.co/pLtfwRhHzJ
— Jordan Massey (@jmass_46) November 21, 2023
https://t.co/e7YN72wmVW pic.twitter.com/3WvjgvsXsl
— Dani De Hoyos (@DaniDeHoyos_) November 21, 2023
After his injury, he wasn’t the same, which is sad.. https://t.co/YrcY0KLJF8
— Carlos (@Carlosthejet) November 21, 2023
I’m shocked. I assumed it would happen after the season, but never envisioned this. https://t.co/8QvDNKtPZM
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 21, 2023
I appreciate you brotha ♾️💯 https://t.co/sXJ2zLO30a
— Cameron McGrone (@McGrone_Strong) November 21, 2023
https://t.co/cRB94L6tsB pic.twitter.com/c4m1enwutu
— Barstool Indy (@barstoolindy) November 21, 2023
This is not shocking based on how things have gone this season…but is definitely shocking when you consider how much of a superstar this guy was as recently as 2021. https://t.co/VaBpHKy5RW
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 21, 2023
Ummmm….wow.
I’m speechless. Colts have released Shaq Leonard. https://t.co/KdtfNMBsdl
— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) November 21, 2023
Man, so thankful for the memories. https://t.co/dUqxaDrSq0
— Justin Byers (@Justin_A_Byers) November 21, 2023
A surprising goodbye post from Colts LB Shaq Leonard, whose role has diminished in Indy this season. https://t.co/8mmN0Hi9oN
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) November 21, 2023
Shaquille Leonard release is a bit shocking but it makes sense if you only look at this year of play.
He just simply doesn’t move like he used to
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) November 21, 2023
In all seriousness, Shaquille Leonard loved the Colts and this organization.
He gave it his all every time he stepped on the field and had a ton of success. His tenure in Indy didn’t end like we had hoped, but he will still be remembered for being one of the best defensive…
— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) November 21, 2023
Nothing but love for Shaquille Leonard, his release was possibly something mutual between him and the team. He hasn’t been the same since he came back from injury, could he scheme or could be his body just not back where it needs to be. Either way, I wish him nothing but health…
— CLew 🏈🏀⚾️🥊 (@droppedballspod) November 21, 2023
