A few months later, Kayla had a surprise for Darius - she was expecting. I forget everything I was going to say. A post shared by Darius Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Feb 10, 2019 at 4:12pm PST. I currently write articles related to players for Hansikar Technologies. Everyone was related or acquainted with one another, and peer pressure was constant. First, quarterback Andrew Luck abruptly retired in the preseason. He returned to the Saints on December 9, 2009, after spending eight weeks with the Bills practice squad. A few hours later, Darius got a call. 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. Tyrell passed away in 2021 while Dante was killed in a car accident recently. 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. Charlie writes his brother a letter every game. Leonard did two stints at a friends house, sleeping in a living room and a barn. Then, instead, as they were preparing to return to the hospital later that day, Kayla was standing with Darius when they got the call that Keivonte was dead. The June sun reflects off iridescent dragonflies that zip in the South Carolina morning air. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! Two others are in prison. And I was like, 'It's a day late.' Lake View's Leonard follows in brother's footsteps | Sports News | scnow.com Skip to. Leonard returned to his hometown of Lake View, South Carolina, during the teams bye week. "The way I'm going, I'm very happy," Leonard said. On Saturday, July 30, NFL Network will present Training Camp: Back Together Saturday. Leonard has sadly had to overcome two of his older brothers, Charlie and Cody Waters, being in prison, according to ESPN. 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? Leonard closes the 15 yards from the front door to the driveway, where I stand, in a few long strides. "I always wanted a big wedding and he knew I wanted a big wedding. [27], The Indianapolis Colts finished second in the AFC South with a 106 record and earned a playoff berth. you're having mental health issues.". The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. 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. Its still hard on him, his mother says. He also said that Cody is in prison for being an accessory at a wrong place, wrong time, ESPN also reported. While he was in high school, Leonard wanted to play college football at Clemson. aggressive positions on the field, there's still no weakness because In 2010, he won a Super Bowl with the Saints. My mind starts racing. Now his goal has become to help people The future of this man and this team might be determined by how those pressures affect the man he becomes. When Mia arrived in March, she changed everything. According to his obituary, this Louisiana native had a Master's degree in Sociology from Southern University and worked as a teacher and coach to help others. 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. Anthony Waters Coaching At The Lake View High School (Source: Twitter). He was ranked as the sixth best inside linebacker prospect in the draft by NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and was ranked the seventh best outside linebacker by DraftScout.com. Only one school had an open spot: South Carolina State University. It was crazy," she said. However, he never did. During his freshman year, Keivonte came home for the holidays and spent Thanksgiving with his family. said there are still moments where those thoughts about his brother pop He speaks the truth on everything, Leonard says. We did everything together walked the streets, played ball and threw hands whenever was needed! The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Denial. She never left my side through any moment; she made sure that I had absolutely anything that I needed.. [12] Leonard was the sixth linebacker taken in the draft. Charlie is reportedly in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, Leonard said, according to ESPN. 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. Meanwhile, Darius' football career was taking off. 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. It is safe to say that this season has not gone according to plan. Darius' closest sibling, Keivonte, died when Darius was in high school. 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. [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. The tiny gray townhouse in Mullins, South Carolina. He stops just below Keivontes eyes. The video captured hearts - a young football player tearfully reading a thank you letter to his coach. And I should have known something because she was recording me. Leaving a school that has 11 state football titles, without winning that year, was a hurtful feeling, Leonard says. 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. From $100K on his wedding to $280K on classic cars, find out everything Darius Leonard spent the first million dollars in the NFL on. He and his fiancee had a daughter in 2019. [31] In Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded 12 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill twice in the 3117 loss. interview with Judy Battista of NFL.com released Wednesday. It was a matter of surviving and making do. He missed his rookie season in 2007 and played seven games for the Chargers in 2008. In Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded a team high 14 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill once during the 4526 loss. His wife, Kayla, is the only person who sees that he occasionally aches from the trauma of his past. Ive got two brothers incarcerated and one deceased. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is not willing to shut the door on a potential return of running back Ezekiel Elliott after the first wave of free agency and the draft, telling reporters the "ship has not sailed.". ", "She was a baller - softball, basketball, and volleyball. The Colts know how important health is - to their football team and their community. He wanted to play at Clemson, like his brother, Anthony Waters. On November 11, 2017, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten, after SC State beat Hampton. professional football player, a linebacker, one of the most Darius Shaquille Leonard is a popular name in football. Charlie is in prison for a murder case that happened in 1997, according to Leonard. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! In November, the Colts teamed up with Wagner Reese to kick off a monthlong celebration of events to salute and honor America's heroes. 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. 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.. I would have anxiety attacks. 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.. Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn says it was "a tearjerker" after he received the call from his father's team in the 2023 NFL Draft. Beth was working for VH1 at the time and maybe her time in . Leonard wants more, like 200 tackles, 10 sacks, Defensive Player of the Year, the Pro Bowl and winning a Super Bowl. Growing up in Lake View, I heard the N-word used regularly, Kayla says. It just means a lot to me.. [39] Popularity of Darius Leonards Brother Over The Past 12 Months (Source: Google). And she was like, 'I've got a present for you.' Leonard plays aggressively, but he does it with a bounce best exemplified by his celebration after every sack (and this year, there have been a lot of them). The Indianapolis Colts made sure he gets paid like it. "We would hang out all the time.". their basement and the commercial comes on, and maybe they think, He died the next day. 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. I'll do anything just to see, talk and hug you one more time! 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. But when his girlfriend, Emma, came into his life - she brought Jake with her. But in the almost eight years since, she has seen him cry countless times. the fact their relationship ended on a low note after years of being Kayla spotted him drifting from the celebration, so she followed him to the back of the room. A class clown, Leonard had to work in his senior year to get his grades and SAT scores high enough to be Division 1-eligible. "I wanted to let her have as big a wedding as she wanted. importance of reaching out for help," per Battista. Darius was 510 (156 cm) and 135 lbs. [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. Dariuss full fame is Darius Shaquille Leonard. "It changed our whole life, our relationship. Cast aside by his dream school, labeled one of the worst picks in the draft. After the game, he says, My teammates said I played like a straight maniac. It stuck. Leonard saved his best for last, as he posted career highs in total tackles (113) and sacks (812) as a senior while picking off two more passes and forcing one fumble. Along with friends and family, many of Darius' teammates and former teammates were in attendance. Kayla, who was attending nearby Claflin University on a softball scholarship, remained encouraging, but Leonard had decided that he was going to be a gym teacher and high school football coach. While the concussion . Leonard and Anthony chose a different path than his brothers. Tattooed on his forearm is the face of his companion star, Keivonte. It physically hurts. Add a little tropical island spirit to your next tailgate with these tasty and super easy Aloha Beef Sliders! The Colts defense went from 27th in defense-adjusted value over average in 2017 to 10th with Leonard in 2018. The fifth of six boys, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Leonard is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. He made his return in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. After being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Denver Broncos, tight end Adam Trautman revealed he was "hoping to get moved.". Your team will love these Sloppy Joes 5 Ways! "Just seeing him off the field - the hard work he puts in and what he puts into this game and this life," Kayla 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.) . State Sen. Darius Brown discuss an upcoming "safe surrender" event at a press conference at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington on Monday May 1, 2023. "I definitely loved that - an athlete who was just as good in their sport as I was in mine.". [48] In December 2018, Leonard announced the couple was expecting a baby girl. [3] Leonard finished the season with 124 tackles, 1412 tackles for loss, 312 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles. In Week 17, Leonard broke the Colts franchise record for most tackles in a single season with 163, in a 3317 win vs the Tennessee Titans. It's fun to have someone who loves what you love.". Colts general manager Chris Ballard was looking for a player who could spearhead their transition to a 4-3 defense that emphasized speed, and he became so set on Leonard's potential he passed on Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith to take guard Quenton Nelson with the No. If you dont have a state title in Lake View, you werent good enough.. Darius and his brother Anthonys life wasnt always perfect. it inside.". By the start of his senior year, Darius was lining up at five positions: running back, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and punter. 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 can't even put it into words how much I love that baby," said Darius. Depth charts: Offense | Defense 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. He and Kayla imagine Keivonte watching Darius play on Sundays and playing with their daughter at home. Year explained he had a minor disagreement with his brother before But before he left for Indianapolis, there was one thing left to do. But the highlight of his SCSU career came after his final home game, a 33-15 win over Hampton University. He also had seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Despite their scarcity, the meals were good. Trouble was easy to find in Lake View, South Carolina, a town with a population of less than 800. In Week 15 against the Houston Texans, Leonard led the team with 15 tackles and forced a fumble on wide receiver Keke Coutee that was recovered by the Colts during the 2720 win. He had an impressive game against ACC powerhouse Clemson, totaling 19 tackles. For the Waters brothers, growing up in a small town with less than 800 people was challenging. He had eyes for only one: Clemson, where older brother Anthony Waters had gone before being drafted by the Chargers. Most figured Darius Leonard was far too skinny to do on Sundays what he was doing on Saturdays. Everything you need for a successful fantasy football season. figure in the launch of the Kicking the Stigma campaign, said they're He has been working as a head football coach at Gaston County School District since July 2014. When the house was particularly crowded, they shared a bed. 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. Keep flying high and watching over me! At Leonards 2018 draft party, as the family gathered in Myrtle Beach, Colts general manager Chris Ballard called Leonard early in the second round and asked, Do you want to be a Colt? Minutes later, the announcement was made on TV, and the house erupted around Leonard, whose bright smile masked what was rumbling beneath. He completed the bench press, 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash at the NFL Combine. It was a matter of getting by and adapting. Its pointless for you to say it, Kayla says, so Ive learned to not say Im sorry. . Quite the opposite. We were only 1 year apart so you can guess how close we were! But since his Week 7 return, he leads NFL linebackers with 74 tackles. I couldn't sleep. [43], Leonard was named Associated Press First Team All-Pro. I can't wait to have a few more and give her some brothers and sisters.". Darius Leonard steps out of his in-laws house on a five-acre farm. And her eyes - they kept me coming back.". And his journey became their journey. Daryl King, their high school coach, would frequently phone Waters. For the time being, Leonard remains shelved for the start of training camp, but he said the recovery has been going well. help. always be. Writing has always been like therapy to me. Darius has 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard is entering his third NFL season as a star on the rise. A few more words, then another pause. Everybody was either related or knew each other. "I left work early because I was teaching and I had my work clothes on. We have a caution light, though, Leonard says, pointing toward the center of town. After the Minnesota Vikings spent a fifth-round pick on a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the future of current starter Kirk Cousins beyond his contract year. He watched the games he missed from home while wearing his jersey and helmet. hopeful the message is able to reach those in need.
Kasuotan Ng Zamboanga Del Norte,
Richard And Nancy Rogers Wedding,
Holster For Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter With Scope,
Articles D
