Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard went through the wringer with a concussion that lasted three weeks before being cleared during the team’s Week 6 bye.
Concussions vary from player to player, but Leonard says he would have considered his to be severe. The 2018 All-Pro told Stephen Holder of The Athletic that some thoughts crept into the back of his mind.
“The third week,” Leonard said via Holder. “That’s when I really started thinking, ‘Wait a minute. Now I have a wife and kid. I’ve had a headache for three weeks. Will I ever be the same? Do I keep playing? You have those thoughts in the back of your head.”
Of course, Leonard was able to pull through after speaking to some players that have been through a similar path with concussions. He was cleared to practice last week, but it didn’t come without some drama Monday night.
As the quotes of Leonard circulated, there were some outlets saying the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year contemplated retirement. The second-year linebacker took to Twitter to clear the air on that.
The Colts have already lost the franchise quarterback in Andrew Luck due to a shocking retirement forced by constant injuries. The idea of losing Leonard would just pile on to a shocking start of the season.
Regardless, Leonard has been cleared from the concussion protocol and is expected to make his return against the Houston Texans in Week 7.
