INDIANAPOLIS — Shaquille Leonard is officially hanging up his cleats.

Leonard is returning to Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday to retire as a Colt at halftime of the Raiders game, calling it a career in the building where he became a star.

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The South Carolina State product looked like a potential Hall of Famer for the first four seasons of his career, averaging 134.5 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.8 sacks.

But it was the ability to create turnovers that put Leonard on a Hall of Fame trajectory. Leonard forced 17 fumbles, picked off 11 passes and recovered seven fumbles, with a knack for creating turnovers.

“He was the ultimate guy, taking the football away, punching it out,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. “Relentless.”

Leonard, a pick once panned by draft analysts after the Colts took him 36th overall in the 2018 draft, won the Defensive Rookie of the Year, was named All-Pro four times and became known for his relentless persona, nicknamed “The Maniac” for the way he played.

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Few linebackers played with better instincts.

“They were freaky,” Steichen said. “It was special to watch.”

Leonard’s career took a turn in 2021.

An injury that was initially believed to be an issue in his left calf ended up being the result of a disc issue in his back, compressing the nerves that led to his leg. Leonard underwent surgery in June of 2022 to repair the injury, but he returned too fast, played only three games and ended up going through a second surgery in November 2022, ending his season.

Leonard tried to return in 2023, but he no longer had the explosiveness to go with his instincts. The Colts released him after nine games, and even though he was picked up by the Eagles, Leonard played in just three games for Philadelphia.

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Unable to return in 2024, Leonard officially decided to retire this season, and he wants to do it in the place he spent most of his career.

Leonard finished his career with 637 tackles, 16 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions in six seasons.

Joel A. Erickson covers the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts legend Shaquille Leonard will officially retire at Raiders game