The Colts defense went from 27th in defense-adjusted value over average in 2017 to 10th with Leonard in 2018. The three times Pro Bowl winner maintains a whopping net worth of about $60- $65 million in2023. Theres so many questions I have for you that I know Ill never get answers to! They called me Two Dollars because thats how much they cost. Leonard answered with more jokes rather than show how much it hurt. It just means a lot to me.. Everyone was related or acquainted with one another, and peer pressure was constant. He suffered a setback in his back injury leading up to Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2022.[47]. Kayla spotted him drifting from the celebration, so she followed him to the back of the room. Carlos Alcaraz Brothers And Family, Jalen Hurts: Early Life, Girlfriend & Controversy, All About Nelson Agholor Girlfriend: Viviana Volpicelli. Oh man, Im losing it, said Lynette Waters, the mother of Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Darius Shaquille Leonard is a popular name in football. Just days later, that relationship would be what got Leonard through Keivontes death. I really wish i was there the night of your incident but God had other plans! Having our daughter, him not being there. One night over the break, he was going out with friends and asked Darius if he could borrow some clothes. The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Leonard was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. But I didnt have to because he had a good head on his shoulders and knew that wasnt the way to go.. We probably hid our relationship for the first two years, Leonard says. Leonards emotions were all over the place. is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. argument at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, in 2012. play college football at Clemson just like his brother. Darius entered the professional arena after the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. No way I should be seeing a heart specialist. "I wanted to let her have as big a wedding as she wanted. He made his return in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. 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.. Everybody was either related or knew each other. My chest gets tight. The big house in the middle of nowhere. with Kicking the Stigma Week, aseries of events, including the release of the Daly-led roundtable, from May 3-6. aggressive positions on the field, there's still no weakness because But the highlight of his SCSU career came after his final home game, a 33-15 win over Hampton University. 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. Darius' older brothers Charlie and Cody Waters are incarcerated. 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. [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. He is a four-time All-Pro choice (First Team in 2018, 2020 and 2021; Second Team in 2019). L'Corine Gilchrist (nee Rucker) . I would have anxiety attacks. Katy Kellner Bio: Early Life, Husband, Baby Who Is Angelia Jefferson? On Darius Leonard's birthday. I really wish you were here to enjoy this dream that we talked about as kids growing up! always be. I didnt want him to be in that area because I knew what was going on there. Every time I look at football, I look at life, I know how quick life can change, Leonard said, according to ESPN. He completed the bench press, 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash at the NFL Combine. ET, more than 50 analysts, reporters and team correspondents will provide 13 hours of live coverage from training camps across the NFL -- plus, check out NFL Films-produced wired sound of players and coaches in action. . But in the almost eight years since, she has seen him cry countless times. They know their love can conquer anything. [27], The Indianapolis Colts finished second in the AFC South with a 106 record and earned a playoff berth. Leonards mother, Lynette, turned to counseling. The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Hes great in space, a sure tackler, and he came into the league with a knack for blitzing.. If you dont have a state title in Lake View, you werent good enough.. Both brothers are in prison, but that doesnt stop Leonard from talking to them regularly. The team released him on, Anthony Inspired Darius To Compete In NFL. "I would love if y'all would try to call me Shaquille or 'D' or 'Maniac' and not Darius," Leonard said. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! Even now, on the bad days, the routine is always the same. He has been working as a head football coach at Gaston County School District since July 2014. Add a little tropical island spirit to your next tailgate with these tasty and super easy Aloha Beef Sliders! A few more words, then another pause. Daryl King, their high school coach, would frequently phone Waters. [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. To Leonard, that meant his professional football dreams were over before they began. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Or he was playing baseball or at home playing cards with friends. The team released him on February 26, 2009. [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. I wanted it to be official that she was my wife. He has emerged from unthinkable circumstances to become a beacon of joy for everyone in his orbit. She couldn't come up and see me," he said. He avoided those problems because he always wanted to be different in every aspect, said Chris Ford, one of Leonards closest childhood friends. 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. Leonard explained that his family has always called him Shaquille growing up. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Darius is married to his long-time lover, Kayla Sanderson. Leonard was everywhere, recording a game-high 19 tackles and blocking a field goal. "The way I'm going, I'm very happy," Leonard said. He is 23 years of age as of 2018 Darius Leonard Family Leonard was born in Nichols, South Carolina, as one of the nine children to a single mother. Darius Leonard is an American football linebacker for the NFL team Indianapolis Colts. And then in the 11th grade, she came back begging. alive," Leonard said. We did everything together walked the streets, played ball and threw hands whenever was needed! While the concussion . There is a empty spot in my life where you needed to be! SCSU went into Death Valley and lost 59-0. So, he made it happen," she said. ", "I can't even put it into words how much I love that baby," said Darius. "That's better than keeping Anthony was like a role model for his younger brother, Darius. [39] Before getting into the details, let us first go through some quick facts. Despite their scarcity, the meals were good. We just started hanging out and it kind of went from there. The furry face of the franchise since 2006 - this summer, Colts mascot, Blue, will be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. [14], Leonard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. As Leonards junior season in college ended, Lake Views playoff run was just beginning. Im getting emotional, tearing up. His play ultimately helped him earn First-Team All-Pro honors. 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.. There's no Leonard looks forward to celebrating that milestone, but he knows he is going to get it the same way he gets everything else: with hard work and Kaylas support. Anthony Devonne Waters was born on July 25, 1985, in Dillon, South Carolina, to his single mother, Lynette Waters. "I wanted to show that she's the one and she deserves everything," he said. Leaving a school that has 11 state football titles, without winning that year, was a hurtful feeling, Leonard says. Most figured Darius Leonard was far too skinny to do on Sundays what he was doing on Saturdays. And she was like, 'I've got a present for you.' Make sure you put that in there," he laughed. He returned in Week 4, and suffered a concussion and broken nose in the game, missing the next three games. SC State Grad C/O17! Instead of getting in with the wrong crowd, Leonard was using some wood to make a square rim to play basketball. I went by Shaquille my whole life and I understand that itll be a hard change to be called Shaquille after being called Darius for 4 years. If you want to know more about Darius, follow him on his, Darius Leonard Brother | Popularity Graph. We thought we knew what love was until she came," Kayla said. I wasn't happy. Despite missing three games due to injury, Leonard had a team-leading 121 tackles including 71 solos, six tackles for loss, five sacks, six passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. She talked trash to me. Darius Leonard looked into the young man's eyes, and once he managed to look past the anguish and regret and hopelessness, he saw something that looked strangely familiar. He also said that Cody is in prison for being an accessory at a wrong place, wrong time, ESPN also reported. It was both a celebration and a thank you to those who supported them along the way. Leonard pushes away sympathy from his family. 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 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. Anthony Waters is a former American football linebacker. 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. Avoiding trouble where we're from was difficult, especially once you get up in high school. He is also the younger brother to former NFL player Anthony Waters. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. It's amazing that two brothers from a very small town, [12] Leonard was the sixth linebacker taken in the draft. Find your dream seats at our Select-A-Seat event taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium on May 6! [15] Head coach Frank Reich named Leonard the starting weakside linebacker to start the regular season in 2018, alongside Najee Goode and middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.[16], He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Colts' season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded nine combined tackles and recovered a fumble in their 3423 loss. Darius Leonard is one of the best players in the entire NFL. Darius Shaquille Leonard. According to our research, Anthony has 9 siblings. [24] Leonard was awarded the AFC Defensive Player of the Month award for December. Waters' tears weren't about disappointment or anger. 6 pick. Tattooed on his forearm is the face of his companion star, Keivonte. In 13 games, Leonard racked up 121 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and five interceptions. Anthony Waters, Brother of Darius Leonard (Source: Wikipedia). For Darius, there was always something about Kayla. It was like, 'Wow. That's when it really hit me that I need help. 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. Ill be playing Set it Off all day for ya man! 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. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00am at his church. Leonards life, however, hasnt always been great. Dariuss full fame is Darius Shaquille Leonard. "Get ready to rock 'n' roll when time comes.". Darius Leonard grew up wanting to follow in his brother's footsteps. He was among the Saints early-September final cuts. Now Darius Leonard is the best rookie in football. Leonard has been informally nicknamed "Maniac" due to his energetic and productive on-field play. Year explained he had a minor disagreement with his brother before [28], In Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard made 10 tackles and one sack on Marcus Mariota as the Colts won 1917. [46], Leonard missed the first three weeks of the season while recovering from offseason back surgery. On that winter day, Waters took off after the white Mercedes-Benz with the red bow on it that Leonard purchased for her after completing a rookie season when he led the NFL in tackles. Colts star Darius Leonards first two years in the league have been among the best debuts ever by a linebacker. He received an overall grade of 80.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked ninth among all linebackers in 2018. Leonard and Kayla graduated the next semester. Leonard at the home of his in-laws. 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 . [18] For his performance, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. video Mini-Movie: 2022 postseason, from Jags' 27-point comeback to Kelce brothers'. Leonard heard the news that his brother, Keivonte Waters, had died a day after an altercation at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, which was about 25 minutes from Lake View. 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. 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! Then her voice cracked. Your team will love these Sloppy Joes 5 Ways! Eventually, he got the courage to ask her out. "Every time I say something, her eyes just get real big. In his rookie season, Leonard showed enormous potential. Mind of a Maniac, by one of Leonards favorite rappers, Lil Boosie, was already part of his pregame playlist, and it remains today. Some couples feel like they've known each other forever. Leonards $1.6 million salary this season makes him the 93rd highest-paid linebacker in football a ranking that should change significantly the next time hes eligible for a contract. I love, love it that he still talks to them, Lynette Waters said. In Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded a team high 14 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill once during the 4526 loss. "He set this goal and he reached it, he set this goal and he reached it, and then one day he was like, 'I'm going to play in the NFL,'" Kayla said. 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. brother, Keivonte Waters, in 2012. Lolo Jones Sister- Brother James Jones Jr, Who Is Elisavet Tsitsipas? Anthonys mother had to work many jobs simultaneously to provide for her family. He wanted to wear my shoes out, but he wouldnt let me wear his, Leonard says. Charlie is in prison for a 1997 murder case while Cody is charged as an accessory. The AFC South should still be relatively weak for another year (assuming the Houston Texans trade Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence doesn't take too big a leap), so the Colts could easily find themselves in the exact same position again this time next year They say time usually heals but I havent done much healing! At the end of the first quarter, he had tips for Coach King. I'm still in the early stages of my writing career, but it's been a fun ride so far! [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. They had to overcome many tragedies and losses before becoming a star. "Just seeing him off the field - the hard work he puts in and what he puts into this game and this life," Kayla said. Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) October 15, 2019. . He was hit from behind and knocked cold, dying after a brief stay in the hospital. Hes never considered that it could do both. Two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder. My heart aches. He attended Clemson University for his college studies and started his playing career there. Sign up now: It's free to play! Ain't not like putting a smile on your mother face! According to Colts.com, he was the first player since Bryan Cox in 1992 to record at least 125 tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles in a single season. 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. 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.
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