Outside linebacker Darius Leonard has been everything the Indianapolis Colts hoped for when they drafted him in 2018.
As of the 2021 season, he has 538 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks, and 11 interceptions.
His efforts earned him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and three Pro Bowl selections
The former South Carolina State standout has also been an All-Pro in each of his four NFL seasons.
Aside from delivering on the field, he has also been a durable asset, missing just seven games so far.
However, the game’s physicality might have taken a toll on him as he underwent back surgery this offseason.
Head coach Frank Reich said that the condition started early in the offseason and needed immediate attention.
But the team has nothing to worry about because he will have much time to recover before the season starts.
He might miss some training camp time, which is understandable to keep him healthy for another campaign.
Yet for those who are still raising the red flag, Leonard himself felt good after the procedure.
Surgery went well, feeling amazing and ready to get back going! If you know me you know I always come back way better than I was! Let’s go man ankle feels amazing and can’t wait to get back moving! Thanks for the texts and calls! https://t.co/jMpee1PStc
— Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) June 7, 2022
He tweeted, “Surgery went well, feeling amazing and ready to get back going! If you know me you know I always come back way better than I was! Let’s go man ankle feels amazing and can’t wait to get back moving! Thanks for the texts and calls!”
Leonard shared this in response to First Round Management CEO Malki Kawa’s confirmation of the successful surgery.
The Colts Will Have A Menacing Defensive Unit
As always, Leonard will be stopping everything coming his way, be it a running back or a wide receiver.
Luckily, he will get a lot of help from a crew that can shut down opposing offenses.
Indianapolis has Kwity Paye, Yannick Ngakoue, and DeForest Buckner in the trenches.
Meanwhile, Kenny Moore and Stephon Gilmore anchor the pass defense in the secondary.
If everyone does their job, the Colts should have no problems winning the AFC South and clinching a postseason berth.
NEXT: Remembering The Career Of Former Colts Safety Bob Sanders