Why did Darius Leonard change his name to Shaquille?

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard will no longer be called Darius moving forward. After four full seasons in the NFL, the linebacker will be known as Shaquille instead of Darius.

In a tweet, he explained that he'd been called Shaquille his whole life and that's why he has changed his name:

"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."

It's less of a change and more of a revert. From now on, he will be called Shaquille, though he knows it will be a tough transition for fans of his.

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Darius Leonard's thoughts on his name change

The Colts star told reporters that the name Darius stuck only once he entered the NFL.

"My mom called me Shaquille, my family called me Shaquille, my friends and family called me Shaquille. I only went by Darius in school or if I was in trouble. Once I got to the NFL, that's when people started calling me Darius. I hate it, but coming in as a rookie, I figured they didn't want a rookie coming in saying to call him a different name. So, I just went with it."

Leonard also mentioned that he was advised by legendary wide receiver Randy Moss to go into the league and listen, but not speak. The former All-Pro took that to heart and didn't correct anyone who called him by his first name.

Now that he's well established, he'd like to go back to being referred to by his middle name.

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Has Shaquille Leonard played this season?

The linebacker began the 2022 NFL season on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to two disks in his back impinging on two nerves. This caused severe pain in his lower leg.

NFL Pro Bowl

Once doctors figured out what the problem was, they were able to get him healthier, but it took time. Thus far, he's only appeared in three games. He suited up for the Colts' Week 4 loss to the Tennessee Titans, their Week 8 loss to the Washington Commanders, and Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots.

Leonard has recorded eight solo tackles and one interception in those games. Clearly, he's not back at the All-Pro level he exhibited from his first few seasons in the league, but there's still time.