His fathers name is unknown. Mind of a Maniac, by one of Leonards favorite rappers, Lil Boosie, was already part of his pregame playlist, and it remains today. The 25-year-old South Carolina native For Darius, there was always something about Kayla. My heart aches. He and Kayla imagine Keivonte watching Darius play on Sundays and playing with their daughter at home. God let my child live his dream, whether or not he buys me nothing. 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? He's not happy to rest on that success. Darius Leonard on love, loss and second chances Andscape 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. Leonard has been informally nicknamed "Maniac" due to his energetic and productive on-field play. I can't wait to have a few more and give her some brothers and sisters.". Leonard was everywhere, recording a game-high 19 tackles and blocking a field goal. [2] After the 2016 season, Leonard was named the MEAC defensive player of the year, making SC State the first school to win the award four years in a row. 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. We just started hanging out and it kind of went from there. Darius Leonard Girlfriend: All About Kayla Sanderson! He had a little peanut head, she says with a laugh. Darius and his brother Anthonys life wasnt always perfect. But Darius saw what members of his family went through while he was growing up, and he didnt want any part of it.. He is known by many as Darius. The Colts defense went from 27th in defense-adjusted value over average in 2017 to 10th with Leonard in 2018. I forget everything I was going to say. Do check my articles through Players Bio. Ill be playing Set it Off all day for ya man! Tarik Cohen, Darius Leonard open up during Mental Health Awareness The video captured hearts - a young football player tearfully reading a thank you letter to his coach. It's fun to have someone who loves what you love.". "Her beautiful eyes," he said. He has emerged from unthinkable circumstances to become a beacon of joy for everyone in his orbit. Anthony Waters, brother of Darius Leonard, is a former American football linebacker. Leonard has gone from being an unknown guy while coming into the NFL draft to becoming one of the best linebackers in the league. His wife, Kayla, is the only person who sees that he occasionally aches from the trauma of his past. [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. I love, love it that he still talks to them, Lynette Waters said. For a time after his brothers death, Leonard thought that celebratory draft moment would not come. The Colts beat the Houston Texans 21-7 in the wild-card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. [3] Leonard finished the season with 124 tackles, 1412 tackles for loss, 312 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles. He was the leagues Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a named an All-Pro. Wherever you are, this is how you football!Learn moreabout NFL+. Leonard is still recovering from back surgery he underwent on June 7. To Leonard, that meant his professional football dreams were over before they began. 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, I got nervous. He had eyes for only one: Clemson, where older brother Anthony Waters had gone before being drafted by the Chargers. The All-Pro linebacker said he was hesitant to correct people about his name as he entered the league in 2018, which was influenced by the advice given to him by Hall of Famer Randy Moss as a rookie to "keep your mouth closed, keep eyes and ears open. But when his girlfriend, Emma, came into his life - she brought Jake with her. 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. I'm still in the early stages of my writing career, but it's been a fun ride so far! Where Did Darius Leonard Go To High School - Highschool Cube According to the police report, Keivonte was thrown or slammed against a wall. He struck his head, immediately after which he became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital. He returned in Week 4, and suffered a concussion and broken nose in the game, missing the next three games. Leonard attended and played high school football at Lake View High School in Lake View, South Carolina. It physically hurts. [37] You was there when nobody else were! And what made it fun in high school was that when I would go work out after school - she worked out with me. On March 28, 2019, Mia Leonard was born. He avoided those problems because he always wanted to be different in every aspect, said Chris Ford, one of Leonards closest childhood friends. But through it all - their love has only grown. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Indianapolis Colts Sign Darius Leonard to 5 Year $98.5 Million Contract Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. 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. 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. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday at Colts training camp, Leonard said. 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. It's the season of giving. Or he was playing baseball or at home playing cards with friends. San Diego Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. After being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Denver Broncos, tight end Adam Trautman revealed he was "hoping to get moved.". The football field is not an escape from the trauma of his childhood. I let her plan everything out. "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. It was both a celebration and a thank you to those who supported them along the way. And she was like, 'I've got a present for you.' Sign up now: It's free to play! He had 19 tackles and a blocked field goal in a 59-0 loss to Clemson in 2016. He died the next day. Katy Kellner Bio: Early Life, Husband, Baby Who Is Angelia Jefferson? A few more words, then another pause. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. He earned first-team All-Pro honors by leading the league in tackles, notched seven sacks and had two interceptions. 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. He also said that Cody is in prison for being an "accessory at a wrong place, wrong time," ESPN also reported. If you want to know more about Darius, follow him on his, Darius Leonard Brother | Popularity Graph. . Keivonte was being rushed to the hospital, unconscious after a fight at a club. We have a caution light, though, Leonard says, pointing toward the center of town. Colts' Darius Leonard feared for NFL career after missing substantial 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.. after going through his own struggles following the death of his These Maple Bacon Beer Burgers will have your whole team saying, "Bring on the beef!" Darius is married to his long-time lover, Kayla Sanderson. So much joy - I was definitely happy. Avoiding family trauma put Colts' Darius Leonard on All-Pro path - ESPN They started dating during their junior year. On June 4, 2021, Leonard welcomed daughter Laila. always be. He ultimately earned Pro Bowl honors that season too. 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.. Leonard was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. SCSU went into Death Valley and lost 59-0. Add a little tropical island spirit to your next tailgate with these tasty and super easy Aloha Beef Sliders! After the game, he says, My teammates said I played like a straight maniac. It stuck. Leonard is one of nine children to a single mother. [30] In Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins, Leonard recorded a team high 13 tackles, sacked Ryan Fitzpatrick once, intercepted a pass thrown by Fitzpatrick, and forced a fumble on tight end Mike Gesicki which was recovered by teammate Kenny Moore in the 1612 loss. "It's OK to not be OK," Super successful country singer Darius Rucker's family - BHW He tackled some tough questions from New York Post columnist Steve Serby. A lot of people have a stigma, especially as men, that Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, his brother not being there. is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. If I don't find help, Leonard and Keivonte were born only a year apart. 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. And then in the 11th grade, she came back begging. You never know what you have until its gone, Keivonte warned, reminding Darius to cherish that relationship. [5], On November 20, 2017, it was announced that Leonard had accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl. He was among the Saints early-September final cuts. 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. He played college football at South Carolina State and was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Colts. work many jobs simultaneously to provide for her family. So he got off to an early start. But the highlight of his SCSU career came after his final home game, a 33-15 win over Hampton University. Darius' older brothers Charlie and Cody Waters are incarcerated. Youre an injury away from not playing this game anymore. SCSU all time leading tackler in school history! His five interceptions led all linebackers and tied for fourth in the entire NFL. Currently, he is 27 years old, and his 28th birthday is in .You can learn more interesting insights about this date, as well as your own birthday, at BirthdayDetails.. Darius was born in the Millennials Generation . 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? Writing has always been like therapy to me. One of the last conversations Leonard recalls having with his brother was during that holiday break, after Keivonte had seen Darius argue with Kayla. [13], On July 23, 2018, Leonard signed a four-year, $7.24 million contract that included $4.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.35 million. I told him I was ready for him to go back to school.. He was also the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Everything you need for a successful fantasy football season. So I just asked her, 'Will you marry me?'". Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00am at his church. "It felt unreal - him being on the phone and watching it on TV. He was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year in his rookie season. In the sixth grade, Leonard took his shot at lunch. Darius Leonard Brother: Bio, Early Life [2023 Update] - Players Bio 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. Kayla rode with Darius to see Keivonte. The Fascinating Dilemma of a Darius Leonard contract extension Growing up they watched a lot of Walker, Texas Ranger for him and pro wrestling for me, Leonard says. Two others are in prison. In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly and momentarily shines thousands of times brighter, allowing onlookers to appreciate its previously hidden brilliance. In 2010, he won a Super Bowl with the Saints. He told Battista He wanted to wear my shoes out, but he wouldnt let me wear his, Leonard says. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. "We went to a party and I asked him to go with me and my friend," she said. 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.) In 2018, Leonard led the NFL in total tackles with 163, and in solo tackles with 111. So the temptation and peer pressure was always present. 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. Why did Darius Leonard change his name to Shaquille? - Sportskeeda [7] Leonard's performance at the Senior Bowl immensely helped his draft stock. Ryan Kelly never saw himself as a small dog guy. 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. Its still hard on him, his mother says. He also had seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Im getting emotional, tearing up. I called her to the middle of the field," he said. "It was definitely tough being away from the team, not being able to go out there and help your brothers out," Leonard said. He was hit from behind and knocked cold, dying after a brief stay in the hospital. "I left work early because I was teaching and I had my work clothes on. 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. But at Christmastime, he brings family and friends together to give back in a big way. I just remember him leaning on the car, just crying, Kayla says. On Saturday, July 30, NFL Network will present Training Camp: Back Together Saturday. Sleepless nights, grief counselors, weight lost. the fact their relationship ended on a low note after years of being But, burning that fuel affects Leonard in ways that go somewhat unnoticed. Anthony Waters, Brother of Darius Leonard (Source: Wikipedia). Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) / Twitter On the eve of his 27th birthday, Shaquille Leonard has decided to make a distinct change entering his fifth NFL season. @dsleon45. Growing up in Lake View, South Carolina, a town of less than 800 people - they pretty much knew everyone. 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.. For the time being, Leonard remains shelved for the start of training camp, but he said the recovery has been going well. When looking at the best defensive players in the NFL today, Darius Leonard has consistently been one each of the past two seasons. It made all the difference in the world, King says. [44], He was also named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl (third of his career). The Colts still managed to start 5-2 but then lost five of six. Sadly, one of his brothers has passed away. "It just shows that you're loved," he said. I was giving her a hard time. Darius Leonard was raised on a farm bailing hay, raising crops, hunting, fishing, and everything else many southerners do growing up. Leonard returned to his hometown of Lake View, South Carolina, during the teams bye week. In the third grade, I wore thong sandals to school, Leonard remembers. [26] Leonard recorded the most tackles among all players as a rookie in 2018. figure in the launch of the Kicking the Stigma campaign, said they're Darius Rucker wife. He played collegiate football for South Carolina State Bulldogs. Questions. Leonard with his wife Kayla Leonard, and their daughter, Mia. Everyone was related or acquainted with one another, and peer pressure was constant. Anthony was a role model to his brother Darius, and he pushed Darius to be who he is today. (He somehow was not a Pro Bowl selection.) Colts star Darius Leonards first two years in the league have been among the best debuts ever by a linebacker. When looking at the path he has had to take to get there he is certainly an inspiration. Wagner signed a 3 year for 54 million dollar deal with 40 million in . Leonard at the home of his in-laws. I definitely knew she was in it for all the right reasons. Darius Shaquille Leonard (born July 27, 1995) is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Charlie writes his brother a letter every game. Darius is very much alive. Anthony Devonne Waters was born on July 25, 1985, in Dillon, South Carolina, to his single mother, Lynette Waters. I just wanted to hug him, and say, Im sorry. . Lewis McGruder (1949-2017) - Find a Grave Memorial He was with us every day at practice, King says. Leonards emotions were all over the place. By his senior year, Darius' journey to the NFL had begun. Darius Leonard - The Maniac - Introducing our Gourmet Dinner Speaker Beth was working for VH1 at the time and maybe her time in . You have entered an incorrect email address! The rise - and rage - of The Maniac twitter comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment One brother, Anthony, also played in the NFL. "She turned me down at first. [46], Leonard missed the first three weeks of the season while recovering from offseason back surgery. Leonard said. He received an overall grade of 80.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked ninth among all linebackers in 2018. Leonard called several schools, but the answer was the same. Make sure you put that in there," he laughed. Leonard has the most total All-Pro selections and the most First Team All-Pro selections by a linebacker in Colts history. His oldest brother, Charlie Waters, is serving a life sentence for murdering an 18 years old girl during an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! According to our research, Anthony has 9 siblings. Darius Leonard is a member of the Indianapolis Colts' football team, an American football player. Eventually, he got the courage to ask her out. When the draft came, they rented a house in Myrtle Beach and filled it with family. It meant a lot to me because you have some kids who make it and then forget about their parents and family, Waters said. 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. As Leonard goes forward with the name he grew up with, expect the same game-changing play he's consistently produced for five seasons. I couldn't sleep. The rise and rage of Colts rookie Darius Leonard Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. On April 15, 2009, Waters committed to the New Orleans Saints. She returned to teach at Lake View, but Darius had one more season of eligibility. Finally, Leonard says, big schools had come calling even his dream school, Clemson, was offering a spot but he decided to stay at SCSU. as host to discuss their "struggles and breakthroughs and the Leonard tried counseling too, but after four visits, he quit. [29] After the game, Leonard reportedly felt concussion like symptoms and was forced to miss the next three games. The Colts won nine of their last 10 regular-season games, plus a playoff game for the first time since 2014. Oh man, Im losing it, said Lynette Waters, the mother of Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard. Leonard still feels the weight of his past. '", "I got officially married in some South Carolina State shorts, a Colts t-shirt, and some Jordan retros," he laughed. Classmates would return wearing new clothes and bragging about their gifts. 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. 'I'll give it one last whirl.'". "We would hang out all the time.". moving past the stigma related to mental health conditions during an The team released him on, Anthony Inspired Darius To Compete In NFL. He suffered a setback in his back injury leading up to Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2022.[47]. It was definitely great seeing her come around the corner in that beautiful dress.". 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. He has spent his life pushing through it: Pressure bursts pipes or makes diamonds, he says. "And when she got her job, she was taking care of me. He is also the younger brother to former NFL player Anthony Waters. hopeful the message is able to reach those in need. Leonard proved them wrong, though, as he absolutely dominated in his rookie season. . Two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder. Colts: Family continues to drive Darius Leonard after big contract Darius Leonard Bio, Age, stars, Net worth, Contrats, But in the almost eight years since, she has seen him cry countless times. They cried together. Leonard explained that his family has always called him Shaquille growing up. Unfortunately, his younger brother, Keivonte Waters, died from a blow to the head after an argument at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, in 2012. professional football player, a linebacker, one of the most Discovering Darius Leonard: How a scout's certainty connected the Colts A few hours later, Darius got a call. with other NFL players, including the Atlanta Falcons' Hayden Hurst [18] For his performance, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. In the game, Leonard recorded a team high ten tackles and an interception off Deshaun Watson in the 3023 win. Leonard and Anthony chose a different path than his brothers. 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. He had been saving his scholarship refund checks and used a friends employee discount to buy a ring from Kay Jewelers. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He played collegiate football for South Carolina State Bulldogs. two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder. 6 pick. it inside.". I believed in him.". Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts Dec 15, 2020 I still can't sleep some nights. I wanted it to be official that she was my wife. before training; after his training and practice, he grew to 62 (189 cm) and 180 lbs. I didnt want him to be in that area because I knew what was going on there. The loss of his brother still weighs on Leonard. Theres so many questions I have for you that I know Ill never get answers to! Ain't not like putting a smile on your mother face! 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. Leonard was the butt of elementary school jokes for wearing high waters and shoes from the discount department store, Maxway. Anger. "My senior day, all eyes were supposed to be on me - so it was definitely a great distraction. The real meaning of Christmas is bringing people together in the spirit of love, hope, and joy. Dariuss full fame is Darius Shaquille Leonard. [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. "I knew that I didn't want her to work again. For his performance, Leonard was once again awarded with AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

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