Everyone knows that the NFL is short for National Football League. But there’s a play on words we hear used when describing that NFL acronym at times and that is “Not For Long.” Unfortunately, most players find this out within a few years of making it into the league.
It doesn’t matter how good a player was in college or if they had success early in their NFL career. One day it can all be over and a player who should be in the prime of his career is at home waiting for a phone call. And for many that call never comes through.
Former Indianapolis Colts and Eagles linebacker Shaquille Leonard is finding out about the second NFL meaning right now. His career isn’t over, but he isn’t currently employed by an NFL franchise. Leonard is home training and preparing while hopefully awaiting his next opportunity.
“I’m more so just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try. I just continue to be me by working hard. If it happens, it happens," Leonard told Kyle Smedley of the Indianapolis Star. "If it don’t, it don’t. I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it. . . . I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”
Leonard was a three-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection while leading Indianapolis’ defense. He’s played six years in the league and turns 29 in July. Aside from missing most of the 2022 campaign for the Colts due to season-ending back surgery, Leonard hasn’t missed much time with injury.
Last season Leonard returned and played nine games for Indianapolis before being cut mid-season and signing with Philadelphia. With the Eagles, Leonard played in five games and made 12 tackles. The former second-round pick is now a free agent as we approach the start of training camps.
"Not for long" is what they say but it never really sinks in until it happens. Sometimes it’s difficult to believe a player who’s been at the top of his position for half of his career could suddenly be discarded. You’ve got to think such a skilled player with Leonard’s accolades will get at least one more opportunity to prove he’s still got something in the tank.
But as we know, this lifestyle of an NFL player usually winds up being for the short term.
