After his 2022 season was derailed by a concussion, a damaged nostril and recurring again points, Leonard returned to the Colts in 2023 on the lookout for a bounce-back season. As a substitute, Indy lower the veteran after 9 begins, sending the previous face of its franchise to waivers the place the then-defending NFC champion Eagles claimed him. Leonard performed in 5 video games for Philadelphia, logging 23 tackles and one sack. He was inactive for Philly’s wild-card loss to Tampa Bay.
Now, with coaching camp a month away, Leonard, who turns 29 subsequent month, is contemplating his future. If that is it for the veteran linebacker, he’ll go away the league with a formidable, if temporary résumé: 637 tackles, 31 passes defensed, 17 pressured fumbles 16 sacks, 12 interceptions in 75 regular-season video games performed.
However what Leonard will take most from his time in skilled soccer (if that is all there may be) are the relationships he in-built Indy and with the Colts, who, regardless of his November launch, nonetheless embrace him.
“You are blessed to have the ability to deal with individuals with respect,” Leonard stated. “I really feel like I carried myself in the best means. I respect them and their determination to stroll away from me. It would not take away from our relationship as individuals. It is only a blessing to know that they are in my nook and so they’re all the time gonna be there if I would like them.
“Indianapolis gave me a lot. For six and a half years, it has been my dwelling. I simply need to give again as a lot as I probably can to a city which means a lot to me.”