darius leonard brothers

Leonard was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. Her beautiful smile. Darius is very much alive. It was a matter of getting by and adapting. Leonard has been informally nicknamed "Maniac" due to his energetic and productive on-field play. The family wasnt well off. 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 didnt want to catch him or hear anybody tell me that they were there because if they were there, they knew what it was going to be like when they got home.. Thomas and Darren 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. In the NFL, Lake View, South Carolinas Darius Leonard has created a nova. 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.. She was always trying to protect me so I didnt end up on the same route as my two brothers, Leonard said. always be. The team released him on February 26, 2009. Their efforts will officially begin "It just shows that you're loved," he said. When looking at the path he has had to take to get there he is certainly an inspiration. It's something we talked about, something that I really wanted.". They started dating during their junior year. Darius closest sibling, Keivonte, died when Darius was in high school. You have entered an incorrect email address! Darius Shaquille Leonard. In his rookie season, Leonard led the league in tackles and was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year; he was also voted into the NFL Top 100 the following offseason. Darius Shaquille Leonard is a popular name in football. And I had my Colts friends there.". Playing for a school like South Carolina State, Leonard wasnt a big-time prospect going into the 2018 NFL draft. On November 11, 2017, Leonard proposed to his girlfriend Kayla, whom he had known since kindergarten, after SC State beat Hampton. Anthony Waters Coaching At The Lake View High School (Source: Twitter). The Indianapolis Colts made sure he gets paid like it. 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. Waters was thinking about that moment last February, when she went into full-sprint mode, the way her son does when hes pursuing a ball carrier. "She came up to camp for my birthday. before training; after his training and practice, he grew to 62 (189 cm) and 180 lbs. 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. It made all the difference in the world, King says. Waters, a single mother, had to work multiple jobs at once to keep food on the table and the lights on for her nine children. He was among the Saints early-September final cuts. "I would love if y'all would try to call me Shaquille or 'D' or 'Maniac' and not Darius," Leonard said. I currently write articles related to players for Hansikar Technologies. 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. Writing has always been like therapy to me. He has been called by his middle name, Shaquille, for a long time. you can't show weakness. 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. [38] Anthony Devonne Waters was born on July 25, 1985, in Dillon, South Carolina, to his single mother, Lynette Waters. He is a four-time All-Pro choice (First Team in 2018, 2020 and 2021; Second Team in 2019). In middle school, two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder. He was with us every day at practice, King says. Everyone was related or acquainted with one another, and peer pressure was constant. I notice his haircut. It was like, 'Wow. Ryan Kelly never saw himself as a small dog guy. On that winter day, Waters took off after the white Mercedes-Benz with the red bow on it that Leonard purchased for her after completing a rookie season when he led the NFL in tackles. He recently took part in a roundtable Leonard is still recovering from back surgery he underwent on June 7. [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. [36] The scouts gradually began to take notice of him. 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). 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.. you're having mental health issues.". While he was in high school, Leonard wanted to play college football at Clemson. He was hit from behind and knocked cold, dying after a brief stay in the hospital. "I had my childhood friends there. "The awareness is so critical," "Me breaking down, showing my But in the almost eight years since, she has seen him cry countless times. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard is entering his third NFL season as a star on the rise. ", Added Leonard: "I was only called Darius when I was in school or when I was in trouble.". their basement and the commercial comes on, and maybe they think, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard's picture-perfect 'Peanut Punch' forces fumble and turnover. Along with friends and family, many of Darius' teammates and former teammates were in attendance. 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. Despite missing three games due to injury, Leonard had a team-leading 121 tackles including 71 solos, six tackles for loss, five sacks, six passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. And he knew he wanted to take Kayla with him. I was digging a hole, going further and further in the hole, until I actually had to talk to a therapist, she says. I love you bro and I miss you more than anyone will ever know! A little more than a decade later, another brother was found guilty of accessory to murder. [21] Leonard was inactive for the Colts Week 5 loss at the New England Patriots due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous week. Leonard waited and waited for a scholarship offer to come after attending football camp there before his junior and senior years. Hes not going to forget about them. I didnt want him to be in that area because I knew what was going on there. On January 5, 2019, Leonard started in his first career playoff game and recorded 13 combined tackles (five solo) and broke up a pass attempt during a 217 victory at the Houston Texans in the AFC Wildcard Game. However, Clemson was waiting for Leonard to qualify academically before offering him a scholarship. His gleaming black Benz SUV sits in the driveway, but we are just a few miles from the trailer park where he lived for a couple of years as a kid, one of the 15 or 20 places he called home as a child. instead of seeking out mental health support. Kayla is usually there to hug him. The two-time All-Pro agreed Sunday to a five-year. "That was the hardest part because I was gone and she was working Monday through Friday. Sadly, one of his brothers has passed away. 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. [46], Leonard missed the first three weeks of the season while recovering from offseason back surgery. Spr 15. with other NFL players, including the Atlanta Falcons' Hayden Hurst Darius Leonard grew up in a small town, Lake View, in Dillon County, South Carolina, United States. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Year explained he had a minor disagreement with his brother before SCSU all time leading tackler in school history! I lost so much ", "I can't even put it into words how much I love that baby," said Darius. Did Pats make Mac Jones happy? Leonard ultimately earned two MEAC Defensive Player of the Year awards while he was at South Carolina State. She said, "Yes." 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 also knows from experience the game he loves can be taken away from him in one play. 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. He had an impressive game against ACC powerhouse Clemson, totaling 19 tackles. Leonard proved them wrong, though, as he absolutely dominated in his rookie season. at your next game day gathering! He died the next day. way I'm 19, 20 years old feeling this way, no way I should be getting Finally, Leonard says, big schools had come calling even his dream school, Clemson, was offering a spot but he decided to stay at SCSU. hopeful the message is able to reach those in need. Keivonte was being rushed to the hospital, unconscious after a fight at a club. A post shared by Darius Shaquille Leonard (@mr_highflyer10). And then in the 11th grade, she came back begging. You've had classic Sloppy Joes, but what about Hawaiian style or Southwest? . Darius's other brother Keivonte died in 2012 due to injuries sustained in a bar fight. Colts star Darius Leonards first two years in the league have been among the best debuts ever by a linebacker. You never know what you have until its gone, Keivonte warned, reminding Darius to cherish that relationship. He wasnt good enough to win a championship, and soon found out he wasnt good enough for Clemson. His NFL aspirations were alive and well. weight. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard will no longer be called Darius moving forward. He was the leagues Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a named an All-Pro. He eventually qualified, but by then he had already decided to attend South Carolina State University, a Football Championship Subdivision school. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. In his career at South Carolina State, he started all 43 games and led the team in tackles in three separate seasons. argument at a club in Mullins, South Carolina, in 2012. play college football at Clemson just like his brother. And her eyes - they kept me coming back.". In 2011, an interracial relationship was still taboo in their tiny Southern town. The Colts teamed up with Methodist Sports Medicine to help men from the Wheeler Mission kick off the holiday season and start the New Year on the right foot. In general manager Ran Carthon's first draft in charge in Tennessee, the Titans made six selections, all of them on offense, the first time since at least 1994 that the club used all of its selections on one side of the ball. 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. I dont take nothing for granted. He returned to the Saints on December 9, 2009, after spending eight weeks with the Bills practice squad. Cast aside by his dream school, labeled one of the worst picks in the draft. I forget everything I was going to say. A good partner brings out the best in you. and the Las Vegas Raiders' Solomon 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. Hi, I'm Prajita Karki. "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. Both brothers are in prison, but that doesnt stop Leonard from talking to them regularly. Leonard explained that his family has always called him Shaquille growing up. For the Waters brothers, growing up in a small town with less than 800 people was challenging. Leonard has a tattoo of his brother, Keivonte Walters, who was killed in 2012. When high school was over, Darius went to South Carolina State to play football. Shaquille is my middle name that Ive went by since 95. up, but he's become better at handling the emotions after getting For real. Learn how your comment data is processed. "I definitely loved that - an athlete who was just as good in their sport as I was in mine.". In 13 games, Leonard racked up 121 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and five interceptions. I wanted to put them on notice.. Instead of getting in with the wrong crowd, Leonard was using some wood to make a square rim to play basketball. Before all of his football success, though, Leonard had to overcome a lot. Thats the kind of guy is, King says. Make sure you put that in there," he laughed. Leonard faced another obstacle in high school. The Colts beat the Houston Texans 21-7 in the wild-card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00am at his church. At the end of the first quarter, he had tips for Coach King. The future of this man and this team might be determined by how those pressures affect the man he becomes. So, he didn't waste any time. For a time after his brothers death, Leonard thought that celebratory draft moment would not come. I let her plan everything out. If I don't find help, With a lifetime of memories behind them and a lifetime before them, the story of Darius and Kayla is many chapters long. A post shared by Darius Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Feb 10, 2019 at 4:12pm PST. brother, Keivonte Waters, in 2012. is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. Explore exclusive inventory, receive complimentary beverages and discounted concessions, and more. Darius could have derailed his future by trying to get revenge. there is only one other way this could possibly go.". 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. importance of reaching out for help," per Battista. Darius is married to his long-time lover, Kayla Sanderson. after going through his own struggles following the death of his He and Kayla imagine Keivonte watching Darius play on Sundays and playing with their daughter at home. She talked trash to me. A third brother was killed in . 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. "Then, I got nervous. "I didn't think we would go up there and do a ceremony. Now Darius Leonard is the best rookie in football. I just remember him leaning on the car, just crying, Kayla says. Two of his older brothers were arrested and sentenced to life for murder. I have a empty spot if my heart that nobody can fill up but you! His five interceptions led all linebackers and tied for fourth in the entire NFL. 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. Tyrell passed away in 2021 while Dante was killed in a car accident recently. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. On Sunday, the Colts honored Coach Richard Nelloms and Jayden on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Hes great in space, a sure tackler, and he came into the league with a knack for blitzing.. He even played Clemson in a game during his career and had 19 tackles and a blocked field goal in a loss, according to ESPN. Leonard has gone from being an unknown guy while coming into the NFL draft to becoming one of the best linebackers in the league. Leonard tried counseling too, but after four visits, he quit. He is a recovering pro athlete and superficial intellectual. He had been saving his scholarship refund checks and used a friends employee discount to buy a ring from Kay Jewelers. [31] In Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, Leonard recorded 12 tackles and sacked Ryan Tannehill twice in the 3117 loss. "I knew I needed help, and for a long time, I While Darius trained for the NFL Draft in Tampa, Kayla supported him back home working as a ninth grade algebra teacher. In the third grade, I wore thong sandals to school, Leonard remembers. The Colts know how important health is - to their football team and their community. Questions. Her personality is great. Its not a huge deal and it wouldnt be no hard feelings if you called me Darius. ", "We knew we wanted to get married and being so far away from home, we wanted to go ahead and do it," she said. Leonard isolates himself and cries. The Tigers were waiting on Leonard to qualify academically. He played college football at South Carolina State and was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Colts. He also said that Cody is in prison for being an accessory at a wrong place, wrong time, ESPN also reported. For Leonard, this was a chance to right another wrong: To help Lake View win the title that he had failed to bring home as a high school senior. I love you lil ugly dude! After practice, he would stay late, working alone on a deserted field for hours. But Leonard didnt seem to want to talk about it with Kayla, or anyone. In Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens, Leonard recorded a team high 15 tackles (13 solo) and recovered a fumble forced by DeForest Buckner on Gus Edwards during the 2410 loss. There was the trailer park on the gravel road, where he met his father for the first time at the age of 13. Avoiding trouble where we're from was difficult, especially once you get up in high school. He is the embodiment of the rags to riches story weve seen chronicled in movies and music. 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. It's the season of giving. alive," Leonard said. What got him through many of those childhood trials was his relationship with Keivonte. They had to overcome many tragedies and losses before becoming a star. And I was like, 'It's a day late.' 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. By the time he did, Clemson, which had shown interest, he says, but wouldnt commit until he got his grades up, was out of scholarships. After the game, he says, My teammates said I played like a straight maniac. It stuck. Leonard and Kayla hadnt fully come out as a couple before Keivonte died. He was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Lolo Jones Sister- Brother James Who Is Elisavet Tsitsipas? Leonard and Anthony chose a different path than his brothers. His wife, Kayla, is the only person who sees that he occasionally aches from the trauma of his past. Leonard is one of nine children to a single mother. Im getting emotional, tearing up. It's fun to have someone who loves what you love.". The highest annual salary for an off ball linebacker in the NFL is currently Bobby Wagner's contract at 18 million per year. And I should have known something because she was recording me. "She turned me down at first. The world's population was 5,751,474,416 and there were an estimated year babies born throughout the world in . In a mid-November performance against the Miami Dolphins, he recorded 11 solo tackles, a sack and an interception, becoming one of only two players in NFL history to record 10 sacks and four interceptions in his first two seasons (the other is Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher). The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. That's why they teamed up with Anthem to promote Blue Ticket to Health. He watched the games he missed from home while wearing his jersey and helmet. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. INDIANAPOLIS Darius Leonard always believed he was the best linebacker in football. "We hung out that night. Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts Dec 15, 2020 I still can't sleep some nights. But when his girlfriend, Emma, came into his life - she brought Jake with her. Ain't not like putting a smile on your mother face! As Leonard goes forward with the name he grew up with, expect the same game-changing play he's consistently produced for five seasons. Charlie writes his brother a letter every game. They say time usually heals but I havent done much healing! Meals were scarce, but enjoyable. Wherever you are, this is how you football!Learn moreabout NFL+. Before every game, Leonard winds tape tightly around his wrist and up his forearm. In 2010, he won a Super Bowl with the Saints. 2 brothers in prison, another killed. Every Friday that he didnt have a game, Leonard was on the sideline with Lake View. She never left my side through any moment; she made sure that I had absolutely anything that I needed.. He attended Clemson University for his college studies and started his playing career there. Darius played three varsity sports in high school and as a senior led Lake View to the lower state championship. A post shared by Darius Leonard (@mr_highflyer10) on Dec 15, 2017 at 7:01am PST. Similarly, his second oldest brother, Cody Waters, is in jail, awaiting trial for alleged murder. Carlos Alcaraz Brothers And Family, Jalen Hurts: Early Life, Girlfriend & Controversy, All About Nelson Agholor Girlfriend: Viviana Volpicelli. . He has been working as a head football coach at Gaston County School District since July 2014. On March 28, 2019, Mia Leonard was born. He missed his rookie season in 2007 and played seven games for the Chargers in 2008. Just days later, that relationship would be what got Leonard through Keivontes death. [50], Leonard swoops in for recovery after blocked FG, Blaine Gabbert gifts Leonard his first career INT, "Former Lake View HS standout, NFL star returns home for charity event and jersey retirement", "NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Darius Leonard", "SCSU's Darius Leonard Is MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year", "Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State", "S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: Leonard repeats as BoxToRow Defensive Player of the Year", "2 local Carolina prospects accept Senior Bowl invites", "Lake View's Darius Leonard dominates on defense at Senior Bowl", "Darius Leonard Turns Heads at Senior Bowl", "South Carolina State OLB Darius Leonard: 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile", "Mel Kiper's Big Board and position rankings: Top 2018 NFL Draft prospects", "NFL Draft Prospect Profile - Darius Leonard", "Indianapolis Colts Select Darius Leonard with Pick 36 in NFL Draft", "Predicting Who Will Start at Linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts", "Colts Release First Unofficial Depth Chart Of 2018 Regular Season", "Thumbs up, thumbs down: Margus Hunt, Darius Leonard shine, Jack Doyle, Quincy Wilson don't", "Doyel: A star is born in Colts linebacker Darius Leonard", "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among NFL Players of Week", "Darius Leonard Named NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Month", "Colts' Darius Leonard named NFL's DROTM", "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - November 18th, 2018", "Josh Allen, Darius Leonard among Players of the Week", "Titans' Derrick Henry among NFL Players of the Month", "NFL Player stats: Darius Leonard (career)", "NFL Player stats: Darius Leonard (2018)", "Brissett spoils Titans' opener, rallying Colts to 19-17 win", "Colts take AFC South lead with 30-23 victory over Texans", "Dolphins cash in on Colts turnovers, earn 2nd straight win", "Blocked field goal helps Titans turn table with win at Indy", "Winston throws for 456 yards, 4 TDs as Bucs rally over Colts", "Colts' Darius Leonard 'Shocked' By Pro Bowl Honor", "Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions November 1st, 2020", "Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts - November 8th, 2020", "Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - November 29th, 2020", "Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts - December 20th, 2020", "Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts - January 3rd, 2021", "Titans RB Derrick Henry, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins among Players of the Week", "Colts, All-Pro LB Darius Leonard agree to terms on five-year, $99.25M extension", "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce lead Players of the Week", "Colts' Darius Leonard, Luke Rhodes, Jonathan Taylor Named 2021 First-Team AP All-Pros", "Seven Colts Players Named To 2022 Pro Bowl", "A Colt by any other name: Leonard drops Darius", "Colts Activate WR Ashton Dulin From Injured Reserve, Place LB Shaquille Leonard On Injured Reserve, Elevate TE Nikola Kalinic And RB Jordan Wilkins To Active Roster From Practice Squad", "Star Player Proposes To Girlfriend After SC State Win", "Colts LB Darius Leonard, NFL stars to battle on 'Celebrity Family Feud', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaquille_Leonard&oldid=1150737032, 4x AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 2, 2018; Week 17, 2018; Week 17, 2020; Week 15, 2021), AFC Defensive Player of the Month (December 2018), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (September 2018), This page was last edited on 19 April 2023, at 21:59.

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