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. Im getting emotional, tearing up. [48] In December 2018, Leonard announced the couple was expecting a baby girl. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard's picture-perfect 'Peanut Punch' forces fumble and turnover. He would run through the early morning gloom to the weight room at his high school. Leonard at the home of his in-laws. He was among the Saints early-September final cuts. First, quarterback Andrew Luck abruptly retired in the preseason. I can't wait to have a few more and give her some brothers and sisters.". He wanted to play at Clemson, like his brother, Anthony Waters. But through it all - their love has only grown. During his freshman year, Keivonte came home for the holidays and spent Thanksgiving with his family. it inside.". Colts linebacker Darius Leonard said he wants to be known by his middle name, Shaquille. But this was also another reminder of the person who wasnt there. Leonard closes the 15 yards from the front door to the driveway, where I stand, in a few long strides. After four full seasons in the NFL, the linebacker will be known as Shaquille instead of Darius.. She was always trying to protect me so I didnt end up on the same route as my two brothers, Leonard said. On March 20, 2018, Leonard participated at South Carolina State's pro day and performed the rest of his combine drills. When I lost my brother, when I didn't have anything - she was always there," said Darius. As Leonard goes forward with the name he grew up with, expect the same game-changing play he's consistently produced for five seasons. "Her beautiful eyes," he said. I wanted to put them on notice.. Growing up in Lake View, South Carolina, a town of less than 800 people - they pretty much knew everyone. "Everybody just grew up together," Kayla said. But only the details of 4 of them are available. He has emerged from unthinkable circumstances to become a beacon of joy for everyone in his orbit. He had eyes for only one: Clemson, where older brother Anthony Waters had gone before being drafted by the Chargers. It was definitely great seeing her come around the corner in that beautiful dress.". ", "She was a baller - softball, basketball, and volleyball. It was crazy," she said. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard is entering his third NFL season as a star on the rise. When he was 2 years old, one of his brothers was convicted of murder and incarcerated. Oh man, Im losing it, said Lynette Waters, the mother of Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard. But when his girlfriend, Emma, came into his life - she brought Jake with her. [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 knew we wanted to get married and being so far away from home, we wanted to go ahead and do it," she said. He made his return in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. Add a little tropical island spirit to your next tailgate with these tasty and super easy Aloha Beef Sliders! He's not happy to rest on that success. We thought we knew what love was until she came," Kayla said. [3] Leonard finished the season with 124 tackles, 1412 tackles for loss, 312 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. 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. And I had my Colts friends there.". Despite their scarcity, the meals were good. He was with us every day at practice, King says. The scouts gradually began to take notice of him. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. "Me breaking down, showing my Darius Leonard on love, loss and second chances, stops to change a strangers tire on the side of a country road. "My kindergarten classmates were my graduating classmates.". She talked trash to me. When looking at the best defensive players in the NFL today, Darius Leonard has consistently been one each of the past two seasons. work many jobs simultaneously to provide for her family. They cried together. And she was like, 'I've got a present for you.' In 2016, as a redshirt junior, he got a chance to show Clemson, the national championship runner-up, what it was missing. She was very good at all three sports," he said. I was giving her a hard time. instead of seeking out mental health support. Darius Shaquille Leonard (born July 27, 1995) is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He became a two-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, and did play at Death Valley as an opponent. Leonard was eating with his future wife, Kayla, and Ford. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday at Colts training camp, Leonard said he'd like to be called by his middle name, Shaquille, going forward, per Colts reporter Larra Overton. Darius's other brother Keivonte died in 2012 due to injuries sustained in a bar fight. Darius could have derailed his future by trying to get revenge. Fresh off the 2023 NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach's checklist has plenty of to-dos and one high atop the agenda is working out a new deal with defensive lineman extraordinaire Chris Jones. 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. One brother, Anthony, also played in the NFL. Leonard explained that his family has always called him Shaquille growing up. "That was the hardest part because I was gone and she was working Monday through Friday. The football field is not an escape from the trauma of his childhood. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. I didnt want him to be in that area because I knew what was going on there. By his senior year, Darius' journey to the NFL had begun. The Indianapolis Colts made sure he gets paid like it. These Maple Bacon Beer Burgers will have your whole team saying, "Bring on the beef!" He is a recovering pro athlete and superficial intellectual. . Kayla and Darius have known each other for almost their entire lives. In November, the Colts teamed up with Wagner Reese to kick off a monthlong celebration of events to salute and honor America's heroes. the fact their relationship ended on a low note after years of being Did Pats make Mac Jones happy? Shaquille is my middle name that Ive went by since 95. But in the almost eight years since, she has seen him cry countless times. [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. [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. Getting drafted, his brother not being there. 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. So much joy - I was definitely happy. ", "I can't even put it into words how much I love that baby," said Darius. Daryl King, their high school coach, would frequently phone Waters. 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. And his journey became their journey. always be. 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. If you dont have a state title in Lake View, you werent good enough.. said there are still moments where those thoughts about his brother pop Leonard was an FCS first-team All-American in 2017 at South Carolina State and a two-time. Keep flying high and watching over me! The Colts know how important health is - to their football team and their community. If you want to know more about Darius, follow him on his, Darius Leonard Brother | Popularity Graph. Leonards emotions were all over the place. He recently took part in a roundtable ", Added Leonard: "I was only called Darius when I was in school or when I was in trouble.". The Colts still managed to start 5-2 but then lost five of six. 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. He is the guy who stops to change a strangers tire on the side of a country road. I get emotional because it goes back to how he was raised and the man hes become.. His five interceptions led all linebackers and tied for fourth in the entire NFL. Thomas and Darren 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? The video captured hearts - a young football player tearfully reading a thank you letter to his coach. For his performance, Leonard was once again awarded with AFC Defensive Player of the Week. "I wanted to show that she's the one and she deserves everything," he said. Avoiding trouble where we're from was difficult, especially once you get up in high school. Every time I look at football, I look at life, I know how quick life can change, Leonard said. A few hours later, Darius got a call. Darius Leonard grew up in a small town, Lake View, in Dillon County, South Carolina, United States. 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. He avoided those problems because he always wanted to be different in every aspect, said Chris Ford, one of Leonards closest childhood friends. A post shared by Darius Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Dec 15, 2017 at 7:01am PST. Charlie is in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, according to Leonard. Instead of getting in with the wrong crowd, Leonard was using some wood to make a square rim to play basketball. "That's what had been eating me hopeful the message is able to reach those in need. I wasn't happy. in similar situations who may be trying to bottle up their emotions way I'm 19, 20 years old feeling this way, no way I should be getting She was the flower girl in her mom and dad's real wedding - the one Kayla dreamed about growing up. On November 11, 2017, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend . Darius Shaquille Leonard. Kayla played softball for Claflin University. Two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder, while he was in middle school Darius Leonard Height|Weight 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. You was there when nobody else were! I talked some good mack daddy. But she rejected him: Apparently, his mack was not strong enough to overcome the size and shape of his head. "Just seeing him off the field - the hard work he puts in and what he puts into this game and this life," Kayla said. 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. In this article, we have covered all the available details about Darius brothers. Its been 7 years since you left this crazy world and it still seems just like it was yesterday! L'Corine Gilchrist (nee Rucker) . But the highlight of his SCSU career came after his final home game, a 33-15 win over Hampton University. Questions. Year explained he had a minor disagreement with his brother before figure in the launch of the Kicking the Stigma campaign, said they're Leonard is one of nine children five brothers, three sisters. Carlos Alcaraz Brothers And Family, Jalen Hurts: Early Life, Girlfriend & Controversy, All About Nelson Agholor Girlfriend: Viviana Volpicelli. and the Las Vegas Raiders' Solomon Just days later, that relationship would be what got Leonard through Keivontes death. In Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded a team high 14 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill once during the 4526 loss. By the start of his senior year, Darius was lining up at five positions: running back, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and punter. "The way I'm going, I'm very happy," Leonard said. 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. Kiper's 2023 NFL draft grades: Why two teams clearly had the best weekend, Indianapolis Colts 2023 NFL draft picks, depth chart, analysis, Colts say QB Richardson will improve by playing, Big takeaways from the NFL draft: A historic QB class, the rebuilt AFC South and new GMs thriving, Kiper's winners, reaches and values from Day 2: Every pick he liked and didn't like, Previously worked at Indianapolis Star, covering the Indiana Pacers for nine seasons, Also covered Vikings for St. Paul Pioneer Press. Charlie is reportedly in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, Leonard said, according to ESPN. I called her to the middle of the field," he said. But I didnt have to because he had a good head on his shoulders and knew that wasnt the way to go.. Anthony Waters is a former American football linebacker. 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. Darius Leonard father's name is under review and mother unknown at this time. You know, just a lot of big milestones have happened.. Its not a huge deal and it wouldnt be no hard feelings if you called me Darius. Leonard makes a video with students during a Giveback Event at his former school, Lake View Elementary, where he handed out Lands End backpacks and winter coats. Waters tears and emotion could have been a lot different if Leonard had taken the path of two of his older brothers, who are in prison. From clothes and shoes and presents to their presence - being able to give back is something the Colts take to heart. Rather than go out, where they knew they would get looks of disapproval and feed town gossip, they hung out in private, or with a few friends. Damn I miss you man, A post shared by Darius Shaquille Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Dec 15, 2019 at 5:35am PST, Robert Mathis Went From Underrated Fifth-Round Pick to $70 Million Sack Artist. Leonard with his wife Kayla Leonard, and their daughter, Mia. Leonard waited and waited for a scholarship offer to come after attending football camp there before his junior and senior years. In 2018, Leonard led the NFL in total tackles with 163, and in solo tackles with 111. We probably hid our relationship for the first two years, Leonard says. As a child, Leonard and his family moved often. [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. Katy Kellner Bio: Early Life, Husband, Baby Who Is Angelia Jefferson? Anthony was like a role model for his younger brother, Darius. According to Leonard, its not a coincidence that they ended up next to each other in the class picture she moved the other little girls so she could stand by me. (Kayla rolls her eyes, but doesnt deny it.) They had to overcome many tragedies and losses before becoming a star. A brothers death would be stressful for any young relationship particularly one with as much pressure as Leonards and Kaylas. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! Their efforts will officially begin [33][34], Following the season, he was voted into his first Pro Bowl appearance. He wasnt good enough to win a championship, and soon found out he wasnt good enough for Clemson. didn't reach out. Spr 15. "It was definitely tough, but everybody there was keeping her head straight, letting her know that it was going to be alright.". 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. You've had classic Sloppy Joes, but what about Hawaiian style or Southwest? Anthony Waters, Brother of Darius Leonard (Source: Wikipedia). 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. The 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Its pointless for you to say it, Kayla says, so Ive learned to not say Im sorry. . You can see a smile in his play, like you can hear a smile over the phone. Wherever you are, this is how you football!Learn moreabout NFL+. Then her voice cracked. [18] For his performance, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He fiercely raises the hand sign of his frat, Omega Psi Phi while he does a jubilant, wide-legged jig. Once I did reach out, I knew that's what made it Before all of his football success, though, Leonard had to overcome a lot. Although he wanted to give his younger brother Darius the same opportunity, he wasnt going to. Leonard has sadly had to overcome two of his older brothers, Charlie and Cody Waters, being in prison, according to ESPN. Kayla means the most. The phenomenon comes from an interaction between two stars one living, one dead. It physically hurts. Charlie writes his brother a letter every game. with other NFL players, including the Atlanta Falcons' Hayden Hurst "She turned me down at first. Leonard and Kayla hadnt fully come out as a couple before Keivonte died. Leonard tried counseling too, but after four visits, he quit. A few months later, Kayla had a surprise for Darius - she was expecting. New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen says receiving high draft grades on the team's 2023 NFL Draft class doesn't win games in April. A post shared by Darius Shaquille Leonard (@mr_highflyer10). Keivonte always wanted to make everyone laugh.. He completed the bench press, 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That is not all the tragedy that Leonard has had to deal with, though. Irsay said. He, however, still talks to them regularly as Charlie writes him a letter after every game. extremely close took a long-term toll on his mental health. [19] The following week, Leonard recorded 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and made two sacks on Eagles' quarterback Carson Wentz in the Colts' 2016 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Daryl King, their high school coach, would frequently phone Waters. Learn how your comment data is processed. Leonard faced another obstacle in high school. "I definitely loved that - an athlete who was just as good in their sport as I was in mine.". The real meaning of Christmas is bringing people together in the spirit of love, hope, and joy. He ranked in the nations top 15 in solo tackles. [29] After the game, Leonard reportedly felt concussion like symptoms and was forced to miss the next three games. [4] He also won the MEAC defensive player of the year award again after the 2017 season. [1], Leonard led SCSU in tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2014, compiling 86, 14 for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. [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. That's when it really hit me that I need help. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard said he was asked to leave a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant in South Carolina after he became the target of a lie because of the color of his skin . One brother, Anthony, also played in the NFL. Darius has already appeared in four seasons for the Colts and is one of the team's most trusted linebackers in the ongoing 2022 season. Similarly, his second oldest brother, Cody Waters, is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. She didnt want me to have to be fist-bumping my family through the glass [in prison] like my brothers. And he knew he wanted to take Kayla with him. In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly and momentarily shines thousands of times brighter, allowing onlookers to appreciate its previously hidden brilliance. "We took a picture together and we were right beside each other. Anthony With His Siblings (Source: Instagram). But since his Week 7 return, he leads NFL linebackers with 74 tackles. He posted 70 stops the following year (2015), 13.mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}12 of those for loss, with five sacks and two interceptions to earn a first-team all-conference selection as a redshirt sophomore. A lot of people have a stigma, especially as men, that After practice, he would stay late, working alone on a deserted field for hours. On November 11, 2017, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten, after SC State beat Hampton. I couldn't sleep. In his career at South Carolina State, he started all 43 games and led the team in tackles in three separate seasons. After being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Denver Broncos, tight end Adam Trautman revealed he was "hoping to get moved.". For the time being, Leonard remains shelved for the start of training camp, but he said the recovery has been going well. 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. 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). His fathers name is unknown. That would have been a moment of me trying to steer him in the right direction. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Lake View won its first state title since 2007. Darius is very much alive. Waller, with NBC's Carson Daly serving inside," Leonard told Battista. Classmates would return wearing new clothes and bragging about their gifts. up, but he's become better at handling the emotions after getting Along with friends and family, many of Darius' teammates and former teammates were in attendance. [25] He finished his rookie season in 2018 with 163 combined tackles (111 solo), eight pass deflections, seven sacks, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts. This article was last updated by Krisha Shrestha on April 26, 2023. He and Kayla imagine Keivonte watching Darius play on Sundays and playing with their daughter at home. Darius Leonard was raised on a farm bailing hay, raising crops, hunting, fishing, and everything else many southerners do growing up. their basement and the commercial comes on, and maybe they think, The Colts beat the Houston Texans 21-7 in the wild-card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a four-time All-Pro choice (First Team in 2018, 2020 and 2021; Second Team in 2019). SCSU went into Death Valley and lost 59-0. Writing has always been like therapy to me. brother, Keivonte Waters, in 2012. Its still hard on him, his mother says. They say time usually heals but I havent done much healing! 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. better for me. He had a little peanut head, she says with a laugh. Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, his brother not being there. "We would hang out all the time.". 'I'll give it one last whirl.'". [38] Lake View's Leonard follows in brother's footsteps | Sports News | scnow.com Skip to. The Colts had some wondering what they were thinking when they selected Leonard out of the tiny FCS school in the second round of the 2018 draft. Ranks: PPR | non-PPR | Cheat Sheets A post shared by Darius Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Feb 10, 2019 at 4:12pm PST. He told Battista No way I should be seeing a heart specialist. After we greeted one another, he tucked his jewelry into his shirt. I love you bro and I miss you more than anyone will ever know! Youre an injury away from not playing this game anymore. He was the leagues Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a named an All-Pro. Her beautiful smile. On Darius Leonard's birthday. So I just asked her, 'Will you marry me?'". It was a matter of getting by and adapting. [39] Growing up they watched a lot of Walker, Texas Ranger for him and pro wrestling for me, Leonard says. He played college football at South Carolina State and was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Colts. Clemsons players were a class above all of the Bulldogs except for one. Even though his brothers are in prison, he communicates with them frequently. "I would love if y'all would try to call me Shaquille or 'D' or 'Maniac' and not Darius," Leonard said. Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts Dec 15, 2020 I still can't sleep some nights. Three months after she arrived, Mia had a very important job. "And when she got her job, she was taking care of me. [44], He was also named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl (third of his career).
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