His five interceptions led all linebackers and tied for fourth in the entire NFL. "We were all around him watching TV and he was on the phone with Chris Ballard and the family got so loud he had to tell everybody to be quiet. But the pictures are funny. it inside.". Youre an injury away from not playing this game anymore. On Sunday, the Colts honored Coach Richard Nelloms and Jayden on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Darius Leonard grew up wanting to follow in his brother's footsteps. Anthony Waters is a former American football linebacker. Eventually, he got the courage to ask her out. But through it all - their love has only grown. The 25-year-old South Carolina native Kayla played softball for Claflin University. And they've been inseparable ever since. the fact their relationship ended on a low note after years of being The first day back to school after Christmas was always rough. When Mia arrived in March, she changed everything. As Leonard goes forward with the name he grew up with, expect the same game-changing play he's consistently produced for five seasons. 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 . At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Leonard was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. Anthony With His Siblings (Source: Instagram). And I had my Colts friends there.". He is the guy who makes everyone happy. This is mostly accomplished by suppressing grief, which he says hed rather do than burden others. The football field is not an escape from the trauma of his childhood. Leonard has sadly had to overcome two of his older brothers, Charlie and Cody Waters, being in prison, according to ESPN. [27], The Indianapolis Colts finished second in the AFC South with a 106 record and earned a playoff berth. As Leonards junior season in college ended, Lake Views playoff run was just beginning. Colts owner Jim Irsay, another key On July 27, 2022, he tweeted on Twitter that he has been using Shaquille since 1995. Who Is Angelia Jefferson? Waters' tears weren't about disappointment or anger. 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. Leonard proved them wrong, though, as he absolutely dominated in his rookie season. Leonard (center) gathered at the home of his in-laws with his siblings (clockwise from bottom left) Anthony Waters, Henri Walters, Jaquanna Davis, Diayah Williams, Latasha Waters, mother Lynette Walters, daughter Mia, and wife Kayla Leonard. Now his goal has become to help people 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. He was also the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. A lot of people have a stigma, especially as men, that you can't show weakness. Used to be that whenever a wave of anxiety like that would hit me, I'd think I was having a heart attack. with Kicking the Stigma Week, aseries of events, including the release of the Daly-led roundtable, from May 3-6. For real. I had my college friends there. [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. 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. But Darius saw what members of his family went through while he was growing up, and he didnt want any part of it.. in similar situations who may be trying to bottle up their emotions professional football player, a linebacker, one of the most 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. First, quarterback Andrew Luck abruptly retired in the preseason. After trading D'Andre Swift to the Eagles on Saturday, Lions GM Brad Holmes went on record as saying that the exchange was a "win-win for all parties involved." Leonard still feels the weight of his past. I called her to the middle of the field," he said. He tackled some tough questions from New York Post columnist Steve Serby. His fathers name is unknown. Leonard and Kayla hadnt fully come out as a couple before Keivonte died. Clemsons players were a class above all of the Bulldogs except for one. "It's OK to not be OK," Nor is it an outlet to release the emotions he has bottled up. His brother Anthony Waters did and even led the Tigers in tackles in 2005 with 109, according to Clemsons team site. But when his girlfriend, Emma, came into his life - she brought Jake with her. Carlos Alcaraz Brothers And Family, Jalen Hurts: Early Life, Girlfriend & Controversy, All About Nelson Agholor Girlfriend: Viviana Volpicelli. After the game, he says, My teammates said I played like a straight maniac. It stuck. Kaylas friends were direct, she remembers: Why are you dating a black boy?, We lost friendships over it, says Leonard, who said people werent as bold when with him. [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. The scouts gradually began to take notice of him. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday at Colts training camp, Leonard said. In his rookie season, Leonard showed enormous potential. 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. "I wanted to show that she's the one and she deserves everything," he said. [42], In Week 15, Leonard had 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception in a 27-17 win over the New England Patriots, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Having our daughter, him not being there. He played collegiate football for South Carolina State Bulldogs. The Colts beat the Houston Texans 21-7 in the wild-card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. I wanted it to be official that she was my wife. Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) October 15, 2019. . didn't reach out. We had a mutual friend who had a barn and we would go there and hang out with all of our friends. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. "And taking care of us - he always makes sure that we're straight and we have everything we need. He also had seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Charlie is reportedly in prison for a "murder case" that happened in 1997, Leonard said, according to ESPN. And then in the 11th grade, she came back begging. It was like, 'Wow. You know, just a lot of big milestones have happened.. I couldn't sleep. Unfortunately, his younger brother, Keivonte Waters, died from a blow to the head after an argument at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, in 2012. Ain't not like putting a smile on your mother face! So, he made it happen," she said. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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). Darius is very much alive. I wasn't happy. I didnt want to catch him or hear anybody tell me that they were there because if they were there, they knew what it was going to be like when they got home.. She couldn't come up and see me," he said. INDIANAPOLIS Darius Leonard always believed he was the best linebacker in football. Texans GM Nick Caserio updates the progress of second-year WR John Metchie, who returned to the practice field this week after missing his entire rookie season battling leukemia. But at Christmastime, he brings family and friends together to give back in a big way. On July 27, 2022, he tweeted on Twitter that he has been using Shaquille since 1995. "We took a picture together and we were right beside each other. up, but he's become better at handling the emotions after getting Leonard said he's taking on a lead role in the team's Kicking the Anthony entered the professional arena when the San Diego Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Katy Kellner Bio: Early Life, Husband, Baby Who Is Angelia Jefferson? [8] Leonard attended the NFL Scouting Combine, but was unable to complete all of his combine drills after injuring his quadriceps while running his 40-yard dash. I love you lil ugly dude! He is also the younger brother to former NFL player Anthony Waters. Oh man, Im losing it, said Lynette Waters, the mother of Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard. [12] Leonard was the sixth linebacker taken in the draft. 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. I'm still in the early stages of my writing career, but it's been a fun ride so far! Charlie is reportedly in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, Leonard said, according to ESPN. A brothers death would be stressful for any young relationship particularly one with as much pressure as Leonards and Kaylas. 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. Ill be playing Set it Off all day for ya man! I just remember him leaning on the car, just crying, Kayla says. 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. Tattooed on his forearm is the face of his companion star, Keivonte. So the temptation and peer pressure was always present. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and prime-time regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand and more! ", "I can't even put it into words how much I love that baby," said Darius. I just wanted to hug him, and say, Im sorry. . In 10 games in 2017, Leonard had 113 total tackles, eight sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble, according to South Carolina States team site. But Colts linebacker Darius Leonard and his wife, Kayla, have known each other for as far back as they can remember. A few more words, then another pause. The family wasnt well off. It was a matter of getting by and adapting. Leonard was never a top-rated prospect, particularly not before a growth spurt after his junior year of high school, but he was good enough to garner interest from several schools. Find your dream seats at our Select-A-Seat event taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium on May 6! "Every time I say something, her eyes just get real big. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Leonard was everywhere, recording a game-high 19 tackles and blocking a field goal. [31] In Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded 12 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill twice in the 3117 loss. Leonard became the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL when he signed a five-year, $99.25 million contract with the Colts on August 8, 2021, which included a $52.5 million guaranteed extension. Darius Leonard father's name is under review and mother unknown at this time. Growing up they watched a lot of Walker, Texas Ranger for him and pro wrestling for me, Leonard says. For the Waters brothers, growing up in a small town with less than 800 people was challenging. She never left my side through any moment; she made sure that I had absolutely anything that I needed.. When looking at the path he has had to take to get there he is certainly an inspiration. Some nights, I still go to a dark place. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00am at his church. He returned to the Saints on December 9, 2009, after spending eight weeks with the Bills practice squad. On Saturday, July 30, NFL Network will present Training Camp: Back Together Saturday. 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 . Now Darius Leonard is the best rookie in football. Both brothers are in prison, but that doesnt stop Leonard from talking to them regularly. And what made it fun in high school was that when I would go work out after school - she worked out with me. way I'm 19, 20 years old feeling this way, no way I should be getting I didnt want him to be in that area because I knew what was going on there. "I stopped eating. Leonard intercepted a pass by Titans backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert, that was intended for wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, and returned it for a ten-yard gain during the third quarter. Leonard responded by leading the NFL in tackles with 163 in 15 games, which was 19 more than the next closest player. We have a caution light, though, Leonard says, pointing toward the center of town. 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. Waters was a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2007, but was out of the league by 2010. Mind of a Maniac, by one of Leonards favorite rappers, Lil Boosie, was already part of his pregame playlist, and it remains today. He has been called by his middle name, Shaquille, for a long time. In 2016, as a redshirt junior, he got a chance to show Clemson, the national championship runner-up, what it was missing. Gradually, they allowed more people to find out about them, but there was a cost. Veteran RB Latavius Murray signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, the team announced Monday. He received an overall grade of 80.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked ninth among all linebackers in 2018. The world's population was 5,751,474,416 and there were an estimated year babies born throughout the world in . [48] In December 2018, Leonard announced the couple was expecting a baby girl. Ryan Kelly never saw himself as a small dog guy. 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. The Colts still managed to start 5-2 but then lost five of six. I was giving her a hard time. "That's what had been eating me He was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year in his rookie season. "Her beautiful eyes," he said. Leonard was the butt of elementary school jokes for wearing high waters and shoes from the discount department store, Maxway. "It just shows that you're loved," he said. During the time of writing, he maintains a career stat of 61 games played, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, and 549 total tackles. On March 28, 2019, Mia Leonard was born. I'll do anything just to see, talk and hug you one more time! inside," Leonard told Battista. In fact, after the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round of the draft, Bleacher Report even listed him as one of the worst picks of that year. said there are still moments where those thoughts about his brother pop Its been 7 years since you left this crazy world and it still seems just like it was yesterday! [20] On October 4, 2018, after totaling 54 combined tackles (which led the league, and was most by a player in first four weeks of the season since 1994) and four sacks (leading all rookies) in September, Leonard was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. I lost so much Leonards mother, Lynette, turned to counseling. Year explained he had a minor disagreement with his brother before Introduction. Colts linebacker Darius Leonard said he wants to be known by his middle name, Shaquille. It meant a lot to me because you have some kids who make it and then forget about their parents and family, Waters said. He ultimately earned Pro Bowl honors that season too. In his senior year, Leonard posted another triple-digit total in tackles (114) and a career-high in sacks. Kayla and Darius have known each other for almost their entire lives. Leonard faced another obstacle in high school. One brother, Anthony, also played in the NFL. A post shared by Darius Shaquille Leonard (@mr_highflyer10). Leonard has a tattoo of his brother, Keivonte Walters, who was killed in 2012. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! So, he didn't waste any time. As a child Leonard looked up to and would compete with his brother Anthony Waters with hopes to one day follow in his footsteps to play football at Clemson. 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. When I was dirt broke, she was still right beside me. [29] After the game, Leonard reportedly felt concussion like symptoms and was forced to miss the next three games. I have a empty spot if my heart that nobody can fill up but you! as host to discuss their "struggles and breakthroughs and the Along with friends and family, many of Darius' teammates and former teammates were in attendance. He wasnt good enough to win a championship, and soon found out he wasnt good enough for Clemson. 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. And he knew he wanted to take Kayla with him. "And I was like, 'Ok.' He is known by many as Darius. Playing for a school like South Carolina State, Leonard wasnt a big-time prospect going into the 2018 NFL draft. After the 2010 season, he became a free agent. Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. He is the guy who stops to change a strangers tire on the side of a country road. 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. "I didn't think we would go up there and do a ceremony. Youd rarely see one brother without the other, often in matching clothes. The furry face of the franchise since 2006 - this summer, Colts mascot, Blue, will be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Then in 2019, Leonard continued to dominate. His 73 solo tackles in 2017 put him in the Top 10 in the nation, and 412 of his sacks came in his final two games. Every season, we always talked about who was going to have the most stats," he said. Theres always something that happens in his life where he thinks about his brother, and that triggers different emotions, she says. They know their love can conquer anything. Keep flying high and watching over me! The loss of his brother still weighs on Leonard. The two-time All-Pro agreed Sunday to a five-year. Although he wanted to give his younger brother Darius the same opportunity, he wasnt going to. Lake View won its first state title since 2007. He suffered a setback in his back injury leading up to Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2022.[47]. hopeful the message is able to reach those in need. While he was in high school, Leonard wanted to play college football at Clemson. I dont take nothing for granted. Anthony During His Collegiate Days (Source: 247 Sports), When he returned home one day, Anthony recalls giving Darius a duffle bag filled with cones, resistance wires, and a speed ladder and telling him, If you want to make it, you will have to go and get it on your own.. He fiercely raises the hand sign of his frat, Omega Psi Phi while he does a jubilant, wide-legged jig. Meals were scarce, but enjoyable. Tears. Classmates would return wearing new clothes and bragging about their gifts. We just started hanging out and it kind of went from there. There is a empty spot in my life where you needed to be! Leonard ultimately earned two MEAC Defensive Player of the Year awards while he was at South Carolina State. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? Anthonys mother had to work many jobs simultaneously to provide for her family. According to our research, Anthony has 9 siblings. Tyrell passed away in 2021 while Dante was killed in a car accident recently. emotions, that's helping me out rather than keeping my emotions The Tigers were waiting on Leonard to qualify academically. extremely close took a long-term toll on his mental health. Im getting emotional, tearing up. No words need to be spoken. He attended Clemson University for his college studies and started his playing career there. Learn how your comment data is processed. "I left work early because I was teaching and I had my work clothes on. Leonard has the most total All-Pro selections and the most First Team All-Pro selections by a linebacker in Colts history. On Darius Leonard's birthday. So he got off to an early start. You have entered an incorrect email address! She was always trying to protect me so I didnt end up on the same route as my two brothers, Leonard said. [14], Leonard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. [33][34], Following the season, he was voted into his first Pro Bowl appearance. Kayla is usually there to hug him. My mind starts racing. His life changed in one play and I know how quickly this game [can end]. figure in the launch of the Kicking the Stigma campaign, said they're "It felt unreal - him being on the phone and watching it on TV. Ranks: PPR | non-PPR | Cheat Sheets Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown. They cried together. His play ultimately helped him earn First-Team All-Pro honors. Hes great in space, a sure tackler, and he came into the league with a knack for blitzing.. Darius Shaquille Leonard (born July 27, 1995) is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. Darius Leonard With the Indiana Colts (Source: Stampede Blue) After the NFL draft, Darius signed a four-year contract worth $7.24 million with the Indianapolis Colts on July 23, 2018. There was the trailer park on the gravel road, where he met his father for the first time at the age of 13. Hes not going to forget about them. Waller, with NBC's Carson Daly serving Then, instead, as they were preparing to return to the hospital later that day, Kayla was standing with Darius when they got the call that Keivonte was dead. [35], In Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, Leonard recorded a team high nine tackles and recorded a strip sack on quarterback Matthew Stafford which was recovered by the Colts during the 4121 win. In 2018, Leonard led the NFL in total tackles with 163, and in solo tackles with 111. In November, the Colts teamed up with Wagner Reese to kick off a monthlong celebration of events to salute and honor America's heroes. He also became the first NFL player since 1982 to have 10-plus sacks and five-plus interceptions in his first 25 games. That's when it really hit me that I need help. I met him at the courthouse and he had on workout clothes and I'm like, 'What are you doing? [30] In Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins, Leonard recorded a team high 13 tackles, sacked Ryan Fitzpatrick once, intercepted a pass thrown by Fitzpatrick, and forced a fumble on tight end Mike Gesicki which was recovered by teammate Kenny Moore in the 1612 loss. As a child, Leonard and his family moved often. Writing has always been like therapy to me. The tiny gray townhouse in Mullins, South Carolina. @kdubb_15 man I miss you and love you more than I've ever expressed while you were here! Darius was 510 (156 cm) and 135 lbs. What got him through many of those childhood trials was his relationship with Keivonte. The Lifelong Love Story Of Darius And Kayla Leonard From childhood classmates to teenage sweethearts, Mr. and Mrs., and mom and dad - Darius and Kayla Leonard have a love story that spans. I keep my focus just seeing what my brother went through. Another life-changing call came when sitting in a Waffle House on a night in December 2012. The June sun reflects off iridescent dragonflies that zip in the South Carolina morning air. But Leonard didnt seem to want to talk about it with Kayla, or anyone. He had eyes for only one: Clemson, where older brother Anthony Waters had gone before being drafted by the Chargers. (He bears personal responsibility for the team not winning and can describe, with pinpoint accuracy, the final play, when Lake Views opponent went for two on the last play of the game.) But since his Week 7 return, he leads NFL linebackers with 74 tackles. 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. INDIANAPOLIS -- It started out as a pause on the phone. Did Pats make Mac Jones happy? 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. Leonard saved his best for last, as he posted career highs in total tackles (113) and sacks (812) as a senior while picking off two more passes and forcing one fumble. "The way I'm going, I'm very happy," Leonard said. Leonard was an FCS first-team All-American in 2017 at South Carolina State and a two-time. He stops just below Keivontes eyes. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. [9][10], The Indianapolis Colts selected Leonard in the second round with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Colts know how important health is - to their football team and their community. I wasn't the full energetic guy I would Leonard is still recovering from back surgery he underwent on June 7. Keivonte always wanted to make everyone laugh.. "We got married officially a couple weeks after I got drafted," he said. Waters was thinking about that moment last February, when she went into full-sprint mode, the way her son does when hes pursuing a ball carrier. Anthony was like a role model for his younger brother, Darius. 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. But he admits that smile is sometimes forced. In Week 15 against the Houston Texans, Leonard led the team with 15 tackles and forced a fumble on wide receiver Keke Coutee that was recovered by the Colts during the 2720 win. The drive to joyfully be a relentless tackler, responsive husband and engaged father to his 9-month-old daughter, Mia, is fueled by the memory of his brother. But this was also another reminder of the person who wasnt there.
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