Shaquille Leonard Opens Up on Why He Passed on Cowboys
Linebacker Shaquille Leonard chose to go with the Philadelphia Eagles, a rival team, rather than the Dallas Cowboys.
Leonard gave an explanation of his decision to join with the Eagles over Dallas to reporters on Wednesday, December 6, prior to his first practise.
“I was with Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis; Nick is a fantastic coach and competitor,” Leonard remarked. “I wanted to go to a coach who understood who I was as a player and as a person, somewhere that fit me.”
Shaq Leonard Spent 3 Years With Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis
In 2018, Leonard became a member of the Indianapolis Colts when Nick Sirianni was hired as an offensive coordinator. Sirianni would play the next three seasons in Indianapolis, where Leonard became one of the league’s best defensive players. Leonard was selected for three straight Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams, and three
capture the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Along with his awards, Leonard led the NFL in tackles in his first campaign and finished his first three seasons with 15 sacks, 7 interceptions, 9 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.
Leonard became known as one of the top playmaking defensive players in the league. However, Leonard’s frequency of producing those same type of splash plays declined over the past two seasons in Indianapolis, leading to an unhappy player and his eventual release.
The 28-year-old linebacker spoke to Eagles reporters regarding his sudden release from Indianapolis a couple weeks prior.
“Of course I was stunned,” said Leonard. “But this is a business and I respect their decision to move forward. I wish them nothing but the best. Of course, it’s not just proving to Indy that I can still play. I want to prove to myself that I still can play.”
Jerry Jones Comments on Shaquille Leonard’s Decision
As the Cowboys prepare to host the Eagles in a big-time Week 14 matchup, team owner Jerry Jones addressed Leonard’s decision to sign with Philadelphia.
“We very easily could see him out here against us Sunday,” Jones said Tuesday, December 5, on 105.3 The Fan.
“I just have to almost step back when I think about man, these are the times we’re in when a player like that could be available and pick his team — which he can and does — and be on the field within three or four days.
It’s just a unique period of time. Not in any way — if I sound like I’m complaining, I’m not — but that’s just unique to me to think he can hit the ground running and be out there playing against us Sunday.”
Leonard visited with the Cowboys on Nov. 28 before visiting with the Eagles later on.
Jones emphasises that Leonard’s decision to sign with Philadelphia has nothing to do with money.
“There was never a financial issue at all; I met with him, we had lunch, and it was a great visit,” Jones stated. “There was absolutely never any money mentioned.” That was definitely untrue, as he seemed to have want to go to the location where he believed he had the best chance.
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