Darius Leonard wants to change his call sign after his fifth NFL season. In future, he wants to be addressed by his middle name. This name is reminiscent of a legendary basketball player.

Indianapolis/Munich – Darius Leonard is to become Shaquille Leonard.

That’s what the Indianapolis Colts linebacker decided himself, telling reporters at training camp on Tuesday. “I was only called Darius in school or when I was in trouble,” Leonard said.

His family has always called him Shaquille, Leonard, who celebrates his 27th birthday on Wednesday, told reporters. When Leonard joined the Colts as a second-round pick in 2018, he was addressed as Darius, according to his paperwork.

Leonard kept quiet over advice from Randy Moss

He was reluctant to correct his coaches and teammates, he said, because of a tip he took to heart from Hall-of-Famer Randy Moss. “Keep your mouth closed but your eyes and ears open,” the receiver legend had advised Leonard.

Now after five seasons in the NFL and three Pro Bowl appearances, the time has come for Leonard to clear up the misunderstanding, to be called by his preferred name in the future.

Shaquille Leonard recovers from back surgery

It could be a while before Shaquille Leonard is actually on the field. The linebacker underwent back surgery in June, but is already on the road to recovery. “I’m very happy with the way I’m going. Get ready to rock and roll when the time comes,” Leonard said.

Then the linebacker wants to return to putting the fear of God into opponents in general and quarterbacks in particular. Whether his new, old first name can give him even more momentum remains to be seen. After all, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal could serve as a role model.