After four amazing seasons to kickstart his career, standout Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard was forced to watch the majority of the 2022 season from the sidelines. Due to his serious back injury, Leonard was only able to play in three games for Indy.
With how much of a competitor he is, you just knew that Leonard was quite upset with the fact that he wasn't able to make plays alongside his teammates on gamedays. In a recent interview with ESPN, Leonard revealed just how tough '22 was for him, calling it one of the hardest years of his life
NEW: One thing you can never say about Shaquille Leonard is that he doesn't care. He cares *deeply*
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 19, 2023
The Colts All-Pro LB opens up on his 2022 season: Post-game tears, fears about his future and coming to terms w his physical limitations. https://t.co/3GW4owoRo0
Shaquille Leonard was heartbroken after missing most of the 2022 season
""I'd see myself on the tape, and I look slow in the game," Leonard said via ESPN's Stephen Holder. "People thought I was selfish (by) shutting it down and having the surgery. But I think the only thing selfish that I did last year was actually go out there and try to play. I felt like I hurt the team last year whenever I was on the field, and it sucks to kind of have to sit back and watch and see the bad plays and know it's not you." "Shaquille Leonard
Last offseason, Leonard underwent back surgery and he was hoping it wouldn't limit his game moving forward. He clearly rushed his return back a bit, resulting in him not being happy with the way he was performing early on last campaign. Then in November, he underwent a second surgery, officially ending his '22 season early.
That of course wasn't easy for him. Leonard is a three-time First Team All Pro selection. When healthy, he's one of the best linebackers in the game and a fan favorite for Colts supporters to watch each week.
Leonard was beaten down both physically and mentally last year, but he's feeling much better now. Let's hope the superstar 'backer can keep making progress in his recovery. It goes without saying, but people can't wait to see the LB get back to his old ways once Week 1 arrives.
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