Former South Carolina State University standout and three-time NFL All-Pro linebacker Shaquille “Shaq” Leonard has announced his retirement from professional football, closing the chapter on one of the most decorated careers ever by an HBCU-born defensive player. The 29-year-old, who became the face of the Indianapolis Colts’ defense for six seasons, will officially retire as a Colt during a special ceremony at halftime of the team’s Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Leonard shared his decision on October 1, 2025, thanking his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for what he described as a “dream realized beyond measure.” “From Lake View, South Carolina, to SC State to the NFL, I’ve been blessed to live out my purpose on and off the field,” Leonard said in a statement via the Colts.
From Bulldog to NFL Star
Leonard’s journey to NFL stardom began at South Carolina State University, where he was a dominant force in the MEAC and helped elevate the Bulldogs’ national profile. Over four seasons, he racked up 394 tackles, 42.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, and six interceptions, earning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year twice (2016 and 2017). His explosive play and leadership turned heads at the 2018 NFL Combine, where he went on to be drafted 36th overall in the second round by the Colts. Leonard quickly validated that pick. As a rookie in 2018, he recorded 163 tackles, leading the entire NFL and earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over his career with Indianapolis, he amassed 607 tackles, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns, becoming a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense. He was named First-Team All-Pro three times (2018, 2020, 2021) and selected to four Pro Bowls.
A Proud HBCU Legacy
Leonard’s success represents more than just personal achievement — it’s a point of pride for HBCU football programs nationwide. As one of the most accomplished defensive players to come out of an HBCU in the modern era, Leonard often credited his development to SC State’s culture of discipline and resilience. “I wouldn’t be the player or man I am today without South Carolina State and Coach Buddy Pough,” Leonard told WIS-TV in an earlier interview. His story has been a rallying cry for athletes at smaller HBCUs, showing that elite NFL careers can emerge from programs outside the Power 5 conferences.
Battling Through Injuries
Leonard’s retirement also reflects the toll the game has taken on his body. After a string of back and ankle injuries that required surgeries and limited his snaps in recent seasons, he acknowledged that the time was right to step away to prioritize his long-term health and family. “This decision wasn’t easy, but I want to walk away while I can still enjoy the life I’ve built,” he said in his retirement note. The Colts, in their official statement, praised Leonard as “the heartbeat of the defense and a leader whose impact goes beyond statistics.”
Celebrated by the Colts and HBCU Community
Indianapolis will honor Leonard during a halftime ceremony in Week 5 against the Raiders, giving fans a chance to salute the player affectionately nicknamed “The Maniac” for his relentless energy on the field. Colts owner Jim Irsay said Leonard “embodied toughness, character, and community spirit,” highlighting the linebacker’s charity initiatives and mentoring work with young athletes. At SC State, news of Leonard’s retirement sparked tributes from alumni and current players, many of whom grew up watching his rise from an HBCU standout to an NFL star. The MEAC released a statement congratulating Leonard on his career and calling him “an inspiration for generations of student-athletes.”
Legacy of Leadership and Service
Beyond his on-field accolades, Leonard has consistently used his platform to give back to his hometown of Lake View, South Carolina, and to support HBCU scholarships. His “Maniac Foundation” has provided resources for underserved communities, youth sports, and education programs. For many, Leonard’s journey underscores the broader importance of investing in HBCU athletic programs, which often produce talent capable of competing — and excelling — at the highest levels of professional sports.
Closing a Chapter, Inspiring the Next
Shaquille Leonard leaves the game as a three-time All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most decorated HBCU-born players of his generation. His retirement is both a farewell to a stellar NFL career and a reminder of the rich legacy that HBCU athletes bring to professional football. As Leonard puts down his helmet for the last time, his impact will continue to be felt not only in Colts history books but also across the halls of South Carolina State and the broader HBCU sports community he championed throughout his journey.