NFL linebacker Darius Leonard returns to Lake View Elementary for a giveback event

LAKE VIEW, SC (WBTW) – Darius Leonard returned to his former elementary school on Friday to give back to the community.

The linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts returned to Lake View Elementary School to host a giveback event. 150 local children from the school were at the event. Each child received a brand new backpack with new school supplies and a winter coat to help them prepare for winter.

“Because when I was growing up, I really didn’t have too much and when my brother made it to the NFL, I saw how much he gave back and I saw how it made everyone smile and me- I have a big heart and this life is much bigger than me and I’ve always been taught that so just giving back to the kids, knowing that it’ll put a smile on their face,” said Lenord at the event.

Leonard was the 2018 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He partnered with Lands’ End to provide the backpacks and coats.

Originally from Lake View, SC, Leonard developed a passion for football at a young age. Leonard had a stellar collegiate football career at South Carolina State University. Leonard was selected in the 2^nd round (36th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2018 NFL Draft.