It's not every day we see Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Quenton Nelson take time out of his offseason to join a podcast.
Luckily for Colts fans, his friendship with former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan led him to appear on his show "Bussin With The Boys."
Which included him speaking about the shocking release of LB Shaquille Leonard.
Lewan's co-host, former NFL player Will Compton, asked Nelson, "What happened with Shaq Leonard?" He also asked, "Was it contract stuff?" Here is what Nelson had to say.
"No, no. Another thing of father time and injuries piling up. Great dude and an unbelievable player. If he can figure out how to be healthy and get back, he will be great. I'd say health is the most important thing for everyone."
- Quenton Nelson on Bussin With The Boys
The Colts shocked the world when they released former fan favorite and former All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard on November 21 in the middle of last season. His play on the field had clearly declined as he attempted to fight back from injury. As a result, Leonard began to get frustrated with his role on the team's defense shrinking. Instead of fully benching their former star, the Colts chose to take what they felt was the more respectful approach: release him and let him look for the role he desired with a new team.
Nelson also spoke about the teammate and man that he came to know playing with Leonard, who he came into the league with, both being drafted by the Colts in 2018.
"The amount of turnovers he caused is insane. Hell of a leader. Very personable dude, he treated everyone the same in the building."
- Quenton Nelson on Bussin With The Boys
Nelson and the Colts will now enter the 2024 season and Training Camp without Leonard on their roster for the first time since the 2018 season. A player who has been one of the most prominent vocal leaders for the team, both in the locker room and on the field. Leonard shared at an event he hosted in Indianapolis recently that he is still focused on continuing his NFL career and is currently focusing on getting his body back to 100%. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for Leonard, but I think I speak for all of Colts nation when I say that I'm rooting for him no matter what his next career steps are.
