Former NFL star Shaquille Leonard charts next move post retirement

Former HBCU star turned NFL All-Pro Shaquille Leonard has made an interesting move post-retirement. Leonard retired from the NFL at 30 years old in October 2025 after a decorated career at the college and pro level. Now, he’s heading to the coaching ranks, but not in football. Per a report by HBCU Gameday, Leonard is set to become the head boys’ basketball coach at Lake View High School, where he once played basketball before pursuing football professionally.

Leonard was a two-sport athlete at Lake View High School, playing football and basketball, and was known for his penchant for rebounding. He ultimately chose the gridiron over the hardwood, heading to South Carolina State and becoming a legend within the program.

Leonard left a lasting legacy at South Carolina State University, where he emerged as the program’s all-time leader in tackles with 393 over his collegiate career. His production extended across the defensive stat sheet, as he totaled 53.5 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, 12 interceptions, and six forced fumbles. Leonard’s consistency and impact earned him All-MEAC recognition in each of his four seasons, along with consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 and 2017.

That success translated to the professional level when the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Leonard quickly established himself as one of the league’s top defenders, earning three NFL All-Pro selections during his career. Across six seasons and 75 regular-season appearances, he amassed 637 tackles, 31 passes defended, 16 sacks, and 12 interceptions. In his most recent campaign in 2023, Leonard played in 14 games and finished with 88 tackles.

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