Despite the fact that Indianapolis Colts rookie linebacker Darius Leonard is having an impressive 2018 season, and currently finds himself as the NFL’s leader in tackles, he didn’t earn a Pro Bowl selection this year.
This was particularly a surprise since Leonard has 146 tackles in 13 games, which is most by a rookie in the history of the league in the same period. If this wasn’t impressive enough, he also managed 7.0 sacks, one interception, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
It turns out that the 23-year-old former South Carolina State Bulldogs football standout was shocked by the decision as anyone else, saying that he was “heartbroken” when he found out the news.
“When I first found out, I was definitely heartbroken, but then I just used that as fuel just to keep fighting and keep competing,” – said Leonard during his appearance on Good Morning Football.” “I was just happy for [Eric] Ebron and [Quenton Nelson], so I just wanted to go out and keep competing and try to put on another show that I need to be in there or I should have been there.”
Even though Darius Leonard definitely deserved the invite to Pro Bowl, he shouldn’t be lingering too much over the snub. He is a lock for All-Rookie Team of the year and firm favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Also, if he ties couple more impressive performances before the season wraps up, he could be in consideration for All-Pro honors as well.
