The Indianapolis Colts shocked fans and the media with the release of inside linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Tuesday. Many fans on social media appeared heartbroken over Leonard’s release.

Some Colts players, both former and current, were equally emotional about Leonard’s departure from Indianapolis and took to X to share their feelings.

“53. Since Day 1 came in and made ya mark,” fellow linebacker Zaire Franklin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Your legacy is written in stone brudda. Always love gang.”

Leonard and Franklin came into the league together during the 2018 NFL draft. The Colts selected Leonard in the second round of that draft class while Franklin was a seventh-round choice.

Franklin was a reserve linebacker for the Colts while Leonard made three first-team All-Pros in their first four seasons. But in 2022, Leonard underwent offseason surgery in 2022 and started the season on injured reserve.

Since then, Franklin has started every game but one for Indianapolis. Franklin has essentially replaced Leonard although the two linebackers had been starting together the season.

In nine games, Franklin has posted 117 combined tackles, including a league-high 76 solos this season. He also has 2 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, 3 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles.