As the South Carolina State Bulldogs prepare to defend their MEAC title under head coach Chennis Berry, the program called on one of their most storied players for words of wisdom.
Former Bulldog and six-year NFL veteran Shaquille Leonard (also known as Darius Leonard) returned to Orangeburg, giving the team some motivation as they go through training camp.
“What made me who I am was that I fell in love with the process,” Leonard said while speaking to the football team. “I fell in love with outworking the person beside me. When I made it to the NFL, the great Dwight Freeney, my first year there, he told me that ‘the person you are now and the person you want to become can not co-exist at the same time.’”
A former two-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard ended his college career with 394 total tackles (fourth in MEAC history), 53.0 tackles for loss, 22.0 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and six interceptions.
Being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, the former Bulldog made an immediate impact, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished in a long line of SC State players to make it to the NFL.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST SC STATE BULLDOG LEGENDS came through today to speak with the team! The one and only DARIUS SHAQUILLE LEONARD @dsleon45 @SCStateAthletic @MEACSports @coachberry77 #PayTheFEE#DigDEEP#FearTheBITE#CWCW#BBB#HTR#BuyIn
🔴🔵🐶🏈 pic.twitter.com/N2RraEGmHt— South Carolina State Football (@SCState_Fb) August 10, 2025
In his rookie season, he led the NFL with 163 total tackles (his 111 solo tackles also led the league), being named Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected All-Pro First Team selection. In addition, he helped the Colts clinch their first playoff berth in four years.
Over the next three seasons, Leonard continued to elevate his game, entering the discussion of the best outside linebackers in the NFL.
In that span, he was named to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro First Teams. Eventually, he received a $52.5 million guaranteed extension that made him the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL.
“A lot of people think this game owes you something, said Leonard. “This game don’t owe you nothing, but the crazy part is, you owe this game everything that you got. Because this game can give you everything you possibly want in life, but what that comes with is sacrifice, but what that comes with is sacrifice.
Are you willing to sacrifice nights not partying and going out there to get some extra work in? Can you sacrifice a little bit more time to help your teammate understand the defense or offense? Are you willing to go out there and put your best foot forward day in and day out? Are you willing to put your body on the line for your brother to make a play? That’s what it really comes down to: Do you truly love the game?”
Multiple nagging injuries, including a debilitating back injury, cut his career short. He was traded by the Colts to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 and was not re-signed as a free agent.
South Carolina State is preparing for the opportunity to become the first team to win consecutive outright MEAC titles since North Carolina A&T in 2018 (also won in 2019 but shared with South Carolina State).
