Leonard Retires Early Due to Colts' Betrayal

On April 2nd, former Colt's linebacker Shaquille Leonard just dropped a bombshell in a podcast,

saying mental pain from his old team pushed him to.

Retire at just 30 years old.

Drafted in 2018, he exploded as a rookie with defensive rookie of the year,

first team all pro honors, and led the league in tackles.

Over six seasons, he racked up 637 tackles, 16 sacks, and 12 picks,

but no injuries ended his run. It was the heartbreak.

Things soured in his 50 year under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, hired in 2022.

Leonard came back strong after missing time with a concussion and back issue,

but coaches limited his snaps, favoring EJ speed instead.

Bradley accused him of skipping treatment and labeled him a bad teammate,

scapegoating Leonard for the whole defensive struggles.

Fans and players see this as classic NFL drama, where loyalty gets crushed.

Leonard felt stabbed in the back after giving everything,

echoing how organizations chew up stars. He got waived in November 2023,

signed with the Eagles for five games, then set out all of 2024.

The cults fired Bradley in January 2025, and by October, Leonard returned for one day to retire

as a cult. Fresh details show he couldn't stomach that portrayal again, choosing peace over the

grind. He's not alone. Think Barry Sanders, who bailed on the lines in 1998 at his peak,

just shy of the rushing record. Disillusioned by front office moves and no title shot,

Sanders said his desire to leave beat his love for the game, proving even legends walk

when the passion fades.