Colts' Darius Leonard wishes to be acknowledged as Shaquille from now on

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard opened up training camp on Tuesday with some news.

He no more time needs to be recognized as Darius Leonard.

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Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard, #53, incites the crowd in the initial quarter from the Los Angeles Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium Sept. 19, 2021. (Trevor Ruszkowski-United states Today Sports activities)

The three-time All-Pro linebacker, who turned 27 on Wednesday, said he experienced been named Shaquille his total life and now was the time to go back. His entire title is Darius Shaquille Leonard.

"I went by Shaquille my entire daily life. My mom identified as me Shaquille. My friends and spouse and children called me Shaquille," Leonard said, via FOX59. "I by no means went by Darius. Only in college or when I was causing difficulty."

He mentioned he kept some issues to himself on the suggestions from Professional Football Corridor of Famer Randy Moss.

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Darius Leonard, #53 of the Indianapolis Colts, on the discipline in the recreation versus the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs)

"He said, ‘The ideal guidance I can give you is keep your mouth closed and ears and eyes opened.’ So I just came in and preferred to perform. I just went with it," he explained.

"I like getting referred to as Shaquille. Despise remaining known as Darius. I comprehend it’s likely to be tough, but would love it if y’all tried using to call me Shaquille or D or Maniac and not Darius."

Leonard is on the physically unable to execute (PUP) to start off coaching camp soon after undergoing back surgical procedures in June.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, #53, reacts throughout AFC observe at the Las Vegas Ballpark Feb. 5, 2022. (Kirby Lee-Usa Right now Athletics)

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He is about to enter his fifth period with the Colts. He has been a Pro Bowler each and every of the very first 4 seasons of his occupation.