The Indianapolis Colts are off to a 3-1 start in 2025, and most of the vibes are good. Indy has a very good chance to move to 4-1 in Week 5 as they take on a Las Vegas Raiders team that is simply not very good. Quarterback Geno Smith has already thrown seven interceptions, for instance.
But all of the game will likely be worth watching for Colts fans, even the halftime event. Indy icon Shaquille Leonard will officially retire as a member of the Indianapolis football team at that time. He hasn't played since 2023, but wants to be remembered as leaving with the team where he made his bones.
Leonard was a second-round draft pick for the Colts in 2018, number 36 overall. He was immediately impactful and played at an exceedingly high level. In his first season, he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and was named First-Team All-Pro.
Shaquille Leonard will retire as a member of the Indianapolis Colts at halftime of Week 5
He was the example of a stat-stuffer. As a rookie, he led the NFL with 163 tackles, had seven sacks, two interceptions, and 12 tackles for loss. His impact did not stop after his first season, though.
In 2019, he was named Second-Team All-Pro, added five more sacks, and had an interception return for a touchdown. Leonard wasn't only playing like one of the best linebackers in the NFL at the time, but trending toward being a Hall of Fame inductee.
In years three and four, Leonard was named First-Team All-Pro in both seasons. In 2021, he had an incredible eight forced fumbles as well as four interceptions.
Unfortunately, injuries began to befall Shaquille Leonard's great run. He played in only three games in 2022, partially because he suffered a concussion. He also had offseason back surgery that caused him to miss the first few games of the season.
The back problem would not completely go away, however, which is the main reason Leonard hasn't played since 2023. That season, he was waived by the Indianapolis Colts and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Indy had lost faith that the linebacker would consistently remain healthy.
Still, the mutual admiration between the player and the team remained. So much so that Shaquille Leonard will officially retire as a member of the Indianapolis Colts during a halftime presentation. He will also address the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium and be the pregame anvil striker.