INDIANAPOLIS -- It’s something Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard started while at South Carolina State University following a suggestion from his coach.
Leonard, although not the biggest player, possesses the type of hands that would likely send a person staggering when hit during a boxing match. Knowing that, his coach told him he should try to punch the ball out of the ball carriers' hand every chance he gets. It's a routine Leonard's works on in every practice
Leonard did it for the first time in his NFL career during his rookie season in 2018, sealing a victory over the Oakland Raiders when he punched the ball out of running back Doug Martin’s hand.