Darius Leonard was chosen into the NFL in 2018 and played his first four years with his given name, know about his name change to nickname Shaquille
However, as the 2022 NFL season approaches, he is altering things up. Leonard told journalists at the start of Colts spring practice that he wished to be known as Shaquille Leonard in the future. According to Nate Atkins of The Indy Star, Leonard’s middle name is Shaquille, and that’s what his parents have called him since he was a child. So, if playing by Shaquille was Leonard’s long-term plan, why didn’t he declare his choice until his 5th year in the league?
Why Did Darius Leonard Opt For A Name Change To His Nickname Shaquille And Its Meaning
Colts’ LB Darius Leonard told reporters today that he now wants to be called “Shaquille”, which is what his family calls him.
So from here on in, he’s Colts’ LB Shaquille Leonard.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2022
I went by Shaquille my whole life and I understand that it’ll be a hard change to be called Shaquille after being called Darius for 4 years. It’s not a huge deal and it wouldn’t be no hard feelings if you called me Darius. Shaquille is my middle name that I’ve went by since 95.
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) July 26, 2022
“He never intended to mention anything till now,” Atkins tweeted. Leonard himself stated that he prefers to be called Shaquille, as he has been since 1995, but he will not be offended if people started calling him Darius.
Who is Shaquille Leonard? Shaquille Leonard, The Colts’ Star Linebacker, Has Changed His Name
NFL players will be known by their middle names:
Leonard will now join the ranks of the numerous NFL players who are known mostly by their middle names. Some of the more prominent cases are as follows:
Preferred name | Full name |
| Chris Godwin | Rod Christopher Godwin |
| Dak Prescott | Rayne Dakota Prescott |
| Deshaun Watson | Derrick Deshaun Watson |
| Drew Lock | Paul Andrew Lock |
| Mecole Hardman | Carey Mecole Hardman |
| Raheem Mostert | Dominique Raheem Mostert |
| Matthew Stafford | John Matthew Stafford |
Whatever moniker Leonard chooses, he will remain one of the Colts’ most essential defensive players. In three of his 4 seasons, he has been chosen an All-Pro, and he has totaled 158 tackles, four sacks, five forced fumbles, three interceptions, and nine pass defenses per 17 matches played.
So the Colts don’t care if he’s known as Darius, Shaquille, Shaq, or Maniac; they really want him back on the pitch as quickly as possible. As a result of offseason back surgery, he opened a training facility on the PUP list.
Who is Shaquille Leonard?
Leonard leads the team in tackles as a rookie and was awarded First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Newcomer of the Year; the following summer, he was selected into the NFL Top 100. Because of his enthusiastic and effective on-field play, Leonard has earned the moniker “Maniac.” He was officially recognized as Darius until July 2022, when he desired to be recognized as Shaquille Leonard, as he is recognized within his family.