Their efforts will officially begin He received an overall grade of 80.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked ninth among all linebackers in 2018. I really wish you were here to enjoy this dream that we talked about as kids growing up! He suffered a setback in his back injury leading up to Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2022.[47]. He is also the younger brother to former NFL player Anthony Waters. He wanted to play at Clemson, like his brother, Anthony Waters. In this article, we have covered all the available details about Darius brothers. Thats Darius being Darius. No words need to be spoken. Darius could have derailed his future by trying to get revenge. The Colts beat the Houston Texans 21-7 in the wild-card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. Anthony was a role model to his brother Darius, and he pushed Darius to be who he is today. Darius is very much alive. For a time after his brothers death, Leonard thought that celebratory draft moment would not come. The loss of his brother still weighs on Leonard. [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. INDIANAPOLIS Darius Leonard always believed he was the best linebacker in football. "Every time I say something, her eyes just get real big. His fathers name is unknown. Meals were scarce, but enjoyable. The Colts linebacker also didnt seek revenge on those who had a part in another brother's death during a fight in a nightclub in 2012. We've been through so much and now it's like we're on top of the world! They say time usually heals but I havent done much healing! "It was definitely tough being away from the team, not being able to go out there and help your brothers out," Leonard said. Kayla and his mother say Leonard still hasnt directly dealt with the emotional aftermath of the traumatic loss. ", "She was a baller - softball, basketball, and volleyball. The Tigers were waiting on Leonard to qualify academically. 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. importance of reaching out for help," per Battista. When high school was over, Darius went to South Carolina State to play football. Some couples feel like they've known each other forever. 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 Leonard and company will likely be a borderline playoff team again next season. Two others are in prison. Ranks: PPR | non-PPR | Cheat Sheets Failed to pay a fine or appear in court? Safe Surrender is a - Yahoo That called changed my life in so many ways! Leonard faced another obstacle in high school. 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. In 2016, as a redshirt junior, he got a chance to show Clemson, the national championship runner-up, what it was missing. [12] Leonard was the sixth linebacker taken in the draft. We had a mutual friend who had a barn and we would go there and hang out with all of our friends. Darius closest sibling, Keivonte, died when Darius was in high school. Waters was a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2007, but was out of the league by 2010. "Then, I got nervous. Darius Leonard Bio, Age, stars, Net worth, Contrats, It's something we talked about, something that I really wanted.". Now his goal has become to help people aggressive positions on the field, there's still no weakness because 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. 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. For Colts star Darius Leonard, it's takeaways on the field, giving back 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. Leonard is one of nine children five brothers, three sisters. moving past the stigma related to mental health conditions during an He also had seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Im getting emotional, tearing up. Darius's other brother Keivonte died in 2012 due to injuries sustained in a bar fight. as host to discuss their "struggles and breakthroughs and the 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. Leonard explained that his family has always called him Shaquille growing up. In the NFL, Lake View, South Carolinas Darius Leonard has created a nova. "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. Leonard did two stints at a friends house, sleeping in a living room and a barn. Discovering Darius Leonard: How a scout's certainty connected the Colts Leonard has sadly had to overcome two of his older brothers, Charlie and Cody Waters, being in prison, according to ESPN. [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. Colts' Darius Leonard feared for NFL career after missing substantial hopeful the message is able to reach those in need. He was hit from behind and knocked cold, dying after a brief stay in the hospital. Tears. @kdubb_15 man I miss you and love you more than I've ever expressed while you were here! And she was like, 'I've got a present for you.' First, quarterback Andrew Luck abruptly retired in the preseason. I would have anxiety attacks. I really wish i was there the night of your incident but God had other plans! He and his fiancee had a daughter in 2019. Soon, he realized that what he loved was her. [6] On January 27, 2018, Leonard played in the 2018 Senior Bowl and recorded a game-high 14 combined tackles (five solo) as part of Bill O'Brien's North team that defeated the South 4516. 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. Two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder, while he was in middle school Darius Leonard Height|Weight They left the hospital early the next morning, believing Keivonte was going to survive. For real. "Claflin and South Carolina State have a fence that separates them," she said. In his rookie season, Leonard showed enormous potential. I love, love it that he still talks to them, Lynette Waters said. "It just shows that you're loved," he said. He speaks the truth on everything, Leonard says. [40] Gradually, they allowed more people to find out about them, but there was a cost. If you dont have a state title in Lake View, you werent good enough.. They would just stop talking to me and stop giving me rides.. The Colts still managed to start 5-2 but then lost five of six. Darius Leonard on racism, motivation, and the 2020 Colts - New York Post Hes never considered that it could do both. On November 11, 2017, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten, after SC State beat Hampton. you're having mental health issues.". The June sun reflects off iridescent dragonflies that zip in the South Carolina morning air. As a child, Leonard and his family moved often. Sign up now: It's free to play! Leonard called several schools, but the answer was the same. They had to overcome many tragedies and losses before becoming a star. I notice his haircut. Along with friends and family, many of Darius' teammates and former teammates were in attendance. 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. after going through his own struggles following the death of his As Leonards junior season in college ended, Lake Views playoff run was just beginning. He is the embodiment of the rags to riches story weve seen chronicled in movies and music. Super successful country singer Darius Rucker's family - BHW Leonard still feels the weight of his past. Used to be that whenever a wave of anxiety like that would hit me, I'd think I was having a heart attack. Only one school had an open spot: South Carolina State University. And his journey became their journey. On March 28, 2019, Mia Leonard was born. Keivonte was being rushed to the hospital, unconscious after a fight at a club. "Me breaking down, showing my And they've been inseparable ever since. Ill be playing Set it Off all day for ya man! 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. It is safe to say that this season has not gone according to plan. He has been called by his middle name, Shaquille, for a long time. Darius Leonard's Girlfriend: Who is Darius Leonard Dating? "I always wanted a big wedding and he knew I wanted a big wedding. Leonard returned to his hometown of Lake View, South Carolina, during the teams bye week. But Leonard didnt seem to want to talk about it with Kayla, or anyone. It didnt work, he says. Wherever you are, this is how you football!Learn moreabout NFL+. He wanted to wear my shoes out, but he wouldnt let me wear his, Leonard says. SC State Grad C/O17! It was crazy," she 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. You've had classic Sloppy Joes, but what about Hawaiian style or Southwest? [38] Leonard closes the 15 yards from the front door to the driveway, where I stand, in a few long strides. 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. To Leonard, that meant his professional football dreams were over before they began. From $100K on his wedding to $280K on classic cars, find out everything Darius Leonard spent the first million dollars in the NFL on. Then in 2019, Leonard continued to dominate. On July 27, 2022, he tweeted on Twitter that he has been using Shaquille since 1995. Who Is Angelia Jefferson? The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. brother, Keivonte Waters, in 2012. He was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year in his rookie season. Sleepless nights, grief counselors, weight lost. his death during a fight at a club. I'll do anything just to see, talk and hug you one more time! The last thing he wanted for his mother to do was embarrass him for his mistakes, as she did when she went to his school during his sophomore year and scolded him for getting in trouble, threatening him by saying she would take away sports. Darius has 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Shaquille is my middle name that Ive went by since 95. From the time Darius was born, about a year after Keivonte, they slept in the same room. She was the flower girl in her mom and dad's real wedding - the one Kayla dreamed about growing up. 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. You was there when nobody else were! Her personality is great. So much joy - I was definitely happy. their basement and the commercial comes on, and maybe they think, Headed into this season, the Colts were a trendy Super Bowl pick. Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) / Twitter On March 20, 2018, Leonard participated at South Carolina State's pro day and performed the rest of his combine drills. 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. 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. Writing has always been like therapy to me. He eventually qualified, but by then he had already decided to attend South Carolina State University, a Football Championship Subdivision school. 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. This is mostly accomplished by suppressing grief, which he says hed rather do than burden others. He missed his rookie season in 2007 and played seven games for the Chargers in 2008. She couldn't come up and see me," he said. 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. "My senior day, all eyes were supposed to be on me - so it was definitely a great distraction. But I didnt have to because he had a good head on his shoulders and knew that wasnt the way to go.. 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. When I was dirt broke, she was still right beside me. 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. His brother Anthony Waters did and even led the Tigers in tackles in 2005 with 109, according to Clemsons team site. I met him at the courthouse and he had on workout clothes and I'm like, 'What are you doing? If you want to know more about Darius, follow him on his Instagram and Twitter. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. [44], He was also named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl (third of his career). [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. According to our research, Anthony has 9 siblings. Leaving a school that has 11 state football titles, without winning that year, was a hurtful feeling, Leonard says. Darius was severely affected as Keivonte happened to be his closest sibling. So the temptation and peer pressure was always present. Darius wanted to follow his brothers path. 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Everybody was either related or knew each other. . Leonards favorite portrayal is YFN Luccis 2016 song, Everyday We Lit I came up from nothing / Did it on my own / I swear I aint never expected it to be like this.. 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. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. On Sunday, the Colts honored Coach Richard Nelloms and Jayden on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. I dont take nothing for granted. Waters' tears weren't about disappointment or anger. They met in Ms. Susans kindergarten class, playing on the kitchen set. I love you bro and I miss you more than anyone will ever know! Charlie writes his brother a letter every game. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? "Just seeing him off the field - the hard work he puts in and what he puts into this game and this life," Kayla said. SCSU all time leading tackler in school history! The tiny gray townhouse in Mullins, South Carolina. Charlie is in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, according to Leonard. Growing up they watched a lot of Walker, Texas Ranger for him and pro wrestling for me, Leonard says. Select-A-Seat | May 6 | Lucas Oil Stadium. 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. He also said that Cody is in prison for being an accessory at a wrong place, wrong time, ESPN also reported. Kayla rode with Darius to see Keivonte. Waters later played professionally. [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. Getting drafted, his brother not being there. 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. 2 brothers in prison, another killed. 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. Shaquille Leonard - Wikipedia Im thankful and so proud of him that hes still in touch with his brothers incarcerated.. 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. She didnt want me to have to be fist-bumping my family through the glass [in prison] like my brothers. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! Leonard attended and played high school football at Lake View High School in Lake View, South Carolina. [3] Leonard finished the season with 124 tackles, 1412 tackles for loss, 312 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles. . [33][34], Following the season, he was voted into his first Pro Bowl appearance. Tyrell passed away in 2021 while Dante was killed in a car accident recently. Stefanos Tsitsipas Sister- Brother Petros And Pavlos, AFL: Andrew Dillion Wife Amanda: Kids And Family, Cameron Norrie Hair Transformation: Style And Color Before And After, Who Are Alvaro, Sergio And Jaime Alcaraz? figure in the launch of the Kicking the Stigma campaign, said they're It was a matter of getting by and adapting. Survivors include: 2 daughters, Carmen and Simone McGruder; 2 grandsons, Andre II and Darius Johnson; granddaughter, Kailanie Cobb; 3 brothers, Leonard, Byron and Gregory McGruder; 2 sisters, Elizabeth and Pat McGruder; other relatives and friends. In the third grade, I wore thong sandals to school, Leonard remembers. We were always together. But he admits that smile is sometimes forced. On April 15, 2009, Waters committed to the New Orleans Saints. Hes great in space, a sure tackler, and he came into the league with a knack for blitzing.. By his senior year, Darius' journey to the NFL had begun. EKGs every month. The 25-year-old South Carolina native Leonard was born in 1995, one of nine children raised by a single mother in Lake View, South Carolina, a town so tiny there are no stoplights. "I had my childhood friends there. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. He is a recovering pro athlete and superficial intellectual. Indianapolis Colts LB Darius Leonard wants to go by middle name - ESPN Classmates would return wearing new clothes and bragging about their gifts. Nor is it an outlet to release the emotions he has bottled up. But the highlight of his SCSU career came after his final home game, a 33-15 win over Hampton University. Two fierce competitors, they challenged each other in every way. But his path to NFL greatness has been far from easy. in similar situations who may be trying to bottle up their emotions He overcame a lot of tragedy before becoming a star on the Indianapolis Colts. God let my child live his dream, whether or not he buys me nothing. Kayla and Darius have known each other for almost their entire lives. [Clemson coach] Dabo Swinney told him after the game that they missed out on not getting him, Ford recalled. It was like, 'Wow. Leonard said he's taking on a lead role in the team's Kicking the This article was last updated by Krisha Shrestha on April 26, 2023. 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. For the time being, Leonard remains shelved for the start of training camp, but he said the recovery has been going well. Steelers general manager Omar Khan garnered a peculiar nickname after his keen decisions throughout the 2023 NFL Draft. His NFL aspirations were alive and well. "And I was like, 'Ok.' way I'm 19, 20 years old feeling this way, no way I should be getting We were only 1 year apart so you can guess how close we were! December 15th will always be the worst day of my life knowing that your life was taken away! When looking at the best defensive players in the NFL today, Darius Leonard has consistently been one each of the past two seasons. Indianapolis locks up Darius Leonard with richest LB contract I currently write articles related to players for Hansikar Technologies. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. I was digging a hole, going further and further in the hole, until I actually had to talk to a therapist, she says. You know, just a lot of big milestones have happened.. You have entered an incorrect email address! Some nights, I still go to a dark place. He told Battista Leonard said. didn't reach out. The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. When the draft came, they rented a house in Myrtle Beach and filled it with family. Daryl King, their high school coach, would frequently phone Waters. That's why they teamed up with Anthem to promote Blue Ticket to Health. Now Darius Leonard is the best rookie in football. Jeffrey Brown/Icon . The team released him on February 26, 2009. And then in the 11th grade, she came back begging. Two others are in prison. There is a empty spot in my life where you needed to be! Check it out! No way I should be seeing a heart specialist. Keivonte always wanted to make everyone laugh.. Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, his brother not being there. Darius Leonard grew up one of nine kids in the no-stoplight, no-McDonald's town of Lake View, S.C., where the population is less than 800 and the median household income is less than $30,000.. Every time I look at football, I look at life, I know how quick life can change, Leonard said. Mind of a Maniac, by one of Leonards favorite rappers, Lil Boosie, was already part of his pregame playlist, and it remains today. There's no Leonard pushes his daughters stroller through a Lake View High School football game. Tarik Cohen, Darius Leonard open up during Mental Health Awareness
