inside," Leonard told Battista. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Leonard said he's taking on a lead role in the team's Kicking the Leonard has two brothers in prison for murder, while one other brotherhis best friend, the one who slept next to him for 17 yearsdied after getting clubbed in the back of the head at a. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. I love you lil ugly dude! [41], On August 8, 2021, Leonard signed a five-year, $99.25 million contract including a $52.5 million guaranteed extension with the Colts, making him the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL. Another life-changing call came when sitting in a Waffle House on a night in December 2012. professional football player, a linebacker, one of the most On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. That's what the Colts and Red Gold have done for more than a decade - and it's something they look forward to doing for years to come. Anthony Waters, Brother of Darius Leonard (Source: Wikipedia). extremely close took a long-term toll on his mental health. On June 4, 2021, Leonard welcomed daughter Laila. A post shared by Darius Shaquille Leonard (@mr_highflyer10). Before all of his football success, though, Leonard had to overcome a lot. Anthony Waters seemed to have a bright NFL future before tearing his ACL in the first game of his senior season at Clemson, Leonard said. Currently, he is 27 years old, and his 28th birthday is in .You can learn more interesting insights about this date, as well as your own birthday, at BirthdayDetails.. Darius was born in the Millennials Generation . 'I'll give it one last whirl.'". after going through his own struggles following the death of his Darius Leonard avoided his brothers' mistakes on path to All-Pro year Darius Leonard became a surprise star as a rookie, and he has even bigger goals for his second season. He would run through the early morning gloom to the weight room at his high school. He and Kayla imagine Keivonte watching Darius play on Sundays and playing with their daughter at home. In Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leonard led the team with 10 tackles and recorded a strip sack on Mike Glennon that was recovered by the Colts during the 2814 win. State Sen. Darius Brown discuss an upcoming "safe surrender" event at a press conference at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington on Monday May 1, 2023. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Ranks: PPR | non-PPR | Cheat Sheets "It felt unreal - him being on the phone and watching it on TV. Although he wanted to give his younger brother Darius the same opportunity, he wasnt going to. Darius Shaquille Leonard (born July 27, 1995) is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . It made all the difference in the world, King says. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard is entering his third NFL season as a star on the rise. Darius wanted to follow his brothers path. So much joy - I was definitely happy. Everybody was either related or knew each other. Leonard ultimately earned two MEAC Defensive Player of the Year awards while he was at South Carolina State. It's fun to have someone who loves what you love.". I would have anxiety attacks. The phenomenon comes from an interaction between two stars one living, one dead. He is the guy who makes everyone happy. He became the first player to rack up at least 125 tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles in a season since Bryan Cox in 1992, according to Colts.com. The All-Pro linebacker said he was hesitant to correct people about his name as he entered the league in 2018, which was influenced by the advice given to him by Hall of Famer Randy Moss as a rookie to "keep your mouth closed, keep eyes and ears open. I wasn't the full energetic guy I would He was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. My heart aches. What got him through many of those childhood trials was his relationship with Keivonte. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! He played college football at South Carolina State and was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Colts. One night over the break, he was going out with friends and asked Darius if he could borrow some clothes. [48] In December 2018, Leonard announced the couple was expecting a baby girl. He has been called by his middle name, Shaquille, for a long time. I was giving her a hard time. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Two others are in prison. Got that fresh Boosie, I see., Long-limbed and muscular, Leonard is wearing dark gym shorts and a royal blue Lake View High School Football T-shirt. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown. importance of reaching out for help," per Battista. While attending SCSU, he regularly drove the two hours to Lake View to help coach the football team, calling head coach Daryl King with notes on upcoming opponents. It was crazy," she said. 6 pick. Beth Leonard (ex-spouse) Duration of Marriage: December 9, 2000 - July 2020 (20 years) It was love at first sight when country singer Rucker met Leonard for the very first time in New York. "Me breaking down, showing my He stops just below Keivontes eyes. I wanted it to be official that she was my wife. Despite their scarcity, the meals were good. In Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens, Leonard recorded a team high 15 tackles (13 solo) and recovered a fumble forced by DeForest Buckner on Gus Edwards during the 2410 loss. at your next game day gathering! I always remain humble and just keep trying to play each play to my best ability., Darius Leonard avoided his brothers' mistakes on path to All-Pro year. Three months after she arrived, Mia had a very important job. [1], Leonard led SCSU in tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2014, compiling 86, 14 for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. The team released him on February 26, 2009. [Clemson coach] Dabo Swinney told him after the game that they missed out on not getting him, Ford recalled. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. December 15th will always be the worst day of my life knowing that your life was taken away! Kayla and his mother say Leonard still hasnt directly dealt with the emotional aftermath of the traumatic loss. Before Keivontes death, she had never seen Leonard show any real emotion. But I didnt have to because he had a good head on his shoulders and knew that wasnt the way to go.. INDIANAPOLIS -- It started out as a pause on the phone. On Sunday, the Colts honored Coach Richard Nelloms and Jayden on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. argument at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, in 2012. play college football at Clemson just like his brother. there is only one other way this could possibly go.". Leonard was eating with his future wife, Kayla, and Ford. Darius Leonard was born on Thursday, July 27, 1995, in South Carolina, United States.His given name is Darius Leonard, and friends just call his Darius. Leonard signed a five-year, $99.25 million extension with $52.5 million guaranteed, and his family, both past and future, were at the forefont. ", "I can't even put it into words how much I love that baby," said Darius. He is a recovering pro athlete and superficial intellectual. Shaquille, for a long time. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! Darius' older brothers Charlie and Cody Waters are incarcerated. After the game, he says, My teammates said I played like a straight maniac. It stuck. Darius Leonard was raised on a farm bailing hay, raising crops, hunting, fishing, and everything else many southerners do growing up. Shaquille is my middle name that Ive went by since 95. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. Im thankful and so proud of him that hes still in touch with his brothers incarcerated.. Kayla played softball for Claflin University. But only the details of 4 of them are available. At Leonards 2018 draft party, as the family gathered in Myrtle Beach, Colts general manager Chris Ballard called Leonard early in the second round and asked, Do you want to be a Colt? Minutes later, the announcement was made on TV, and the house erupted around Leonard, whose bright smile masked what was rumbling beneath. Hi, I'm Prajita Karki. Add a little tropical island spirit to your next tailgate with these tasty and super easy Aloha Beef Sliders! [50], Leonard swoops in for recovery after blocked FG, Blaine Gabbert gifts Leonard his first career INT, "Former Lake View HS standout, NFL star returns home for charity event and jersey retirement", "NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Darius Leonard", "SCSU's Darius Leonard Is MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year", "Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State", "S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: Leonard repeats as BoxToRow Defensive Player of the Year", "2 local Carolina prospects accept Senior Bowl invites", "Lake View's Darius Leonard dominates on defense at Senior Bowl", "Darius Leonard Turns Heads at Senior Bowl", "South Carolina State OLB Darius Leonard: 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile", "Mel Kiper's Big Board and position rankings: Top 2018 NFL Draft prospects", "NFL Draft Prospect Profile - Darius Leonard", "Indianapolis Colts Select Darius Leonard with Pick 36 in NFL Draft", "Predicting Who Will Start at Linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts", "Colts Release First Unofficial Depth Chart Of 2018 Regular Season", "Thumbs up, thumbs down: Margus Hunt, Darius Leonard shine, Jack Doyle, Quincy Wilson don't", "Doyel: A star is born in Colts linebacker Darius Leonard", "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among NFL Players of Week", "Darius Leonard Named NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Month", "Colts' Darius Leonard named NFL's DROTM", "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - November 18th, 2018", "Josh Allen, Darius Leonard among Players of the Week", "Titans' Derrick Henry among NFL Players of the Month", "NFL Player stats: Darius Leonard (career)", "NFL Player stats: Darius Leonard (2018)", "Brissett spoils Titans' opener, rallying Colts to 19-17 win", "Colts take AFC South lead with 30-23 victory over Texans", "Dolphins cash in on Colts turnovers, earn 2nd straight win", "Blocked field goal helps Titans turn table with win at Indy", "Winston throws for 456 yards, 4 TDs as Bucs rally over Colts", "Colts' Darius Leonard 'Shocked' By Pro Bowl Honor", "Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions November 1st, 2020", "Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts - November 8th, 2020", "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - November 29th, 2020", "Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts - December 20th, 2020", "Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts - January 3rd, 2021", "Titans RB Derrick Henry, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins among Players of the Week", "Colts, All-Pro LB Darius Leonard agree to terms on five-year, $99.25M extension", "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce lead Players of the Week", "Colts' Darius Leonard, Luke Rhodes, Jonathan Taylor Named 2021 First-Team AP All-Pros", "Seven Colts Players Named To 2022 Pro Bowl", "A Colt by any other name: Leonard drops Darius", "Colts Activate WR Ashton Dulin From Injured Reserve, Place LB Shaquille Leonard On Injured Reserve, Elevate TE Nikola Kalinic And RB Jordan Wilkins To Active Roster From Practice Squad", "Star Player Proposes To Girlfriend After SC State Win", "Colts LB Darius Leonard, NFL stars to battle on 'Celebrity Family Feud', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaquille_Leonard&oldid=1150737032, 4x AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 2, 2018; Week 17, 2018; Week 17, 2020; Week 15, 2021), AFC Defensive Player of the Month (December 2018), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (September 2018), This page was last edited on 19 April 2023, at 21:59. didn't reach out. When my brother died, we werent even public and she said, I dont care, Im going to be the best armor for you the whole way. When I lost the scholarship at Clemson, she was there, Leonard says. [49], On July 26, 2022, at the Colts' training camp, Leonard told reporters how he now requested to be called by his middle name, Shaquille, rather than his given first name, Darius. Waters, a single mother, had to work multiple jobs at once to keep food on the table and the lights on for her nine children. The Colts teamed up with Methodist Sports Medicine to help men from the Wheeler Mission kick off the holiday season and start the New Year on the right foot. She talked trash to me. It meant a lot to me because you have some kids who make it and then forget about their parents and family, Waters said. According to his obituary, this Louisiana native had a Master's degree in Sociology from Southern University and worked as a teacher and coach to help others. [21] Leonard was inactive for the Colts Week 5 loss at the New England Patriots due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous week. The 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Waters was a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2007, but was out of the league by 2010. Im getting emotional, tearing up. He wanted to play at Clemson, like his brother, Anthony Waters. No words need to be spoken. After being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Denver Broncos, tight end Adam Trautman revealed he was "hoping to get moved.". I get emotional because it goes back to how he was raised and the man hes become.. Leonard appeared on the July 12, 2020 episode of Celebrity Family Feud in which the NFL rising stars took on retired NFL Hall of Famers, which included players such as Michael Irvin and Cris Carter. "I had my childhood friends there. Now his goal has become to help people Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard said he's taking on a lead role in the team's Kicking the Stigma mental health initiative, which will formally launch in May, after going through his. [13], On July 23, 2018, Leonard signed a four-year, $7.24 million contract that included $4.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.35 million. Leonard still feels the weight of his past. Leonard was everywhere, recording a game-high 19 tackles and blocking a field goal. I'm letting the world know, as a I had a big chip on my shoulder, he says. [17] On September 16, 2018, Leonard collected a season-high 19 combined tackles (15 solo) and made his first career sack on Redskins' quarterback Alex Smith during a 219 win at the Washington Redskins. Then her voice cracked. Kayla spotted him drifting from the celebration, so she followed him to the back of the room. Anthony Waters Coaching At The Lake View High School (Source: Twitter). [45], During the following offseason, Leonard had surgery on his back to correct nerves being impinged by his disks. "We've got to reach that person who is sitting in Leonard has a tattoo of his brother, Keivonte Walters, who was killed in 2012. In general manager Ran Carthon's first draft in charge in Tennessee, the Titans made six selections, all of them on offense, the first time since at least 1994 that the club used all of its selections on one side of the ball. Its been 7 years since you left this crazy world and it still seems just like it was yesterday! with Kicking the Stigma Week, aseries of events, including the release of the Daly-led roundtable, from May 3-6. [38] He died the next day. Anthony Devonne Waters was born on July 25, 1985, in Dillon, South Carolina, to his single mother, Lynette Waters. Leonard was an FCS first-team All-American in 2017 at South Carolina State and a two-time. I love you bro and I miss you more than anyone will ever know! His oldest brother, Charlie Waters, is serving a life sentence for murdering an 18 years old girl during an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant. L'Corine Gilchrist (nee Rucker) . The real meaning of Christmas is bringing people together in the spirit of love, hope, and joy. They cried together. In a mid-November performance against the Miami Dolphins, he recorded 11 solo tackles, a sack and an interception, becoming one of only two players in NFL history to record 10 sacks and four interceptions in his first two seasons (the other is Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher). After the 2010 season, he became a free agent. He was preparing for his games at South Carolina State, and there he is also spending an hour or two a day watching film for us, King says. Waters was often working, but she made sure Leonard knew where not to go: an area in the Lake View area known as the Hilltop. During the time of writing, he maintains a career stat of 61 games played, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, and 549 total tackles. Spr 15. I let her plan everything out. Born July 27, 1995, Leonard played high school football at Lake View High School in Lake View, S.C. His dream was to attend Clemson, but his grades needed some work, and by the time he qualified academically, the Tigers had already awarded all of their scholarships for the upcoming season. Leonard is one of the nine children of his mother. I asked her out in the sixth grade and she told me, 'No.' Everything you need for a successful fantasy football season. When high school was over, Darius went to South Carolina State to play football. I wanted to see my mom happy all the time, not having to stress out worrying about me., Leonard doesnt go into a lot of details about why his brothers -- Charlie and Cody Waters -- are incarcerated. Learn how your comment data is processed. He completed the bench press, 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash at the NFL Combine. moving past the stigma related to mental health conditions during an Darius Leonard father's name is under review and mother unknown at this time. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard rejoined his team last week, marking his long-awaited return to practice after being stuck in concussion protocol for three weeks. And the Eagles feel the same way about their new acquisition, with GM Howie Roseman already looking forward to seeing what Swift can do playing with his hometown team. Darius could have derailed his future by trying to get revenge. She returned to teach at Lake View, but Darius had one more season of eligibility. "And I was like, 'Ok.' [29] After the game, Leonard reportedly felt concussion like symptoms and was forced to miss the next three games. While he was in high school, Leonard wanted to play college football at Clemson. "I knew I needed help, and for a long time, I "It definitely was . Stigma mental health initiative, which will formally launch in May, The furry face of the franchise since 2006 - this summer, Colts mascot, Blue, will be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. [32] In Week 14, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Leonard recorded nine tackles and intercepted two passes thrown by Jameis Winston, one of which was returned for an 80 yard pick six, during the 3835 loss. We were always together. It was both a celebration and a thank you to those who supported them along the way. But, burning that fuel affects Leonard in ways that go somewhat unnoticed. Meanwhile, Darius' football career was taking off. "She has the most beautiful eyes ever.". And I should have known something because she was recording me. For the Waters brothers, growing up in a small town with less than 800 people was challenging. He was hit from behind and knocked cold, dying after a brief stay in the hospital. instead of seeking out mental health support. So far, he's doing a good job of it. But through it all - their love has only grown. From childhood classmates to teenage sweethearts to Mr. and Mrs. and mom and dad - for Darius and Kayla, so much has changed over the years. If theres music playing at practices or games, he is dancing. Used to be that whenever a wave of anxiety like that would hit me, I'd think I was having a heart attack. And she was like, 'I've got a present for you.' Explore exclusive inventory, receive complimentary beverages and discounted concessions, and more. with other NFL players, including the Atlanta Falcons' Hayden Hurst SCSU went into Death Valley and lost 59-0. It was like, 'Wow. in similar situations who may be trying to bottle up their emotions A third brother was killed in . The tiny gray townhouse in Mullins, South Carolina. On March 20, 2018, Leonard participated at South Carolina State's pro day and performed the rest of his combine drills. However, he never did. Leonard's enjoyment of football was further hindered by a bout with COVID-19 at a crucial point of the 2021 regular season, as well as the seemingly constant pull of worry about a couple of sick . He and his fiancee had a daughter in 2019. But in the almost eight years since, she has seen him cry countless times. He has spent his life pushing through it: Pressure bursts pipes or makes diamonds, he says. A class clown, Leonard had to work in his senior year to get his grades and SAT scores high enough to be Division 1-eligible. Charlie is in prison for a 1997 murder case while Cody is charged as an accessory. On October 14, 2009, Waters agreed to join the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Both his twin, Tyrell, and his younger brother, Dante, met untimely deaths as he has battled with attempting to resurrect his career after an ACL injury he suffered back in 2020. Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. better for me. They know their love can conquer anything. Leonard and Anthony chose a different path than his brothers. [37] Playing for a school like South Carolina State, Leonard wasnt a big-time prospect going into the 2018 NFL draft. "Just the way he looks at her - it's crazy. I love, love it that he still talks to them, Lynette Waters said. Five years today I was awakened from a call that I had lost not only my best friend, my partner in crime, my everything , most of all my blood brother! Cast aside by his dream school, labeled one of the worst picks in the draft. He had 19 tackles and a blocked field goal in a 59-0 loss to Clemson in 2016. If it werent for football, Id probably be dead or in jail, is an abused clich but it might not be far-fetched to say that, because of football, Leonard is not dead or in jail. He returned in Week 4, and suffered a concussion and broken nose in the game, missing the next three games. She said, "Yes." "I knew that I didn't want her to work again. He even played Clemson in a game during his career and had 19 tackles and a blocked field goal in a loss, according to ESPN. Before getting into the details, let us first go through some quick facts. Instead of getting in with the wrong crowd, Leonard was using some wood to make a square rim to play basketball. Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. ", "She was a baller - softball, basketball, and volleyball. "It's OK to not be OK," It was a matter of getting by and adapting. Darius wanted toplay college football at Clemson just like his brother. We've been through so much and now it's like we're on top of the world! You have entered an incorrect email address! @dsleon45. But Darius saw what members of his family went through while he was growing up, and he didnt want any part of it.. Leonard at the home of his in-laws. Kayla is usually there to hug him. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? With a lifetime of memories behind them and a lifetime before them, the story of Darius and Kayla is many chapters long. Depth charts: Offense | Defense They would just stop talking to me and stop giving me rides.. [33][34], Following the season, he was voted into his first Pro Bowl appearance. It's amazing that two brothers from a very small town, Soon, he realized that what he loved was her. I didnt want him to be in that area because I knew what was going on there. On January 5, 2019, Leonard started in his first career playoff game and recorded 13 combined tackles (five solo) and broke up a pass attempt during a 217 victory at the Houston Texans in the AFC Wildcard Game. He also knows from experience the game he loves can be taken away from him in one play. SCSU all time leading tackler in school history! The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Domonique Foxworth is a senior writer at Andscape.
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