Riley Leonard, the quarterback for the University of Notre Dame, led the Fighting Irish to a surprising 23-10 victory over the University of Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl, securing a spot in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs. Following the game, Leonard expressed his gratitude to God, stating, “First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t be here,” during an interview with ESPN.
In recent years, many athletes have started to leverage their public platforms to openly share their Christian faith. Leonard is no exception, as he has been vocal about his spiritual journey and how it influences his life. With an impressive record of 13 wins this season, including 12 consecutive games, Leonard emphasizes that his worth is not determined solely by game outcomes. “When I go to bed at night, I’m not thinking, ‘How many touchdown passes did I throw?’ I’m thinking, ‘Did I better my relationship with Jesus Christ?’” he shared.
Leonard’s faith journey began in ninth grade, sparked by his realization that his emotional well-being was often tied to sports results. He felt an emptiness and began exploring faith seriously after being influenced by mentors and his girlfriend. Leonard believes that this newfound faith has broadened his perspective on life beyond athletics, saying, “Once I started to find my faith, and find a purpose… the world kind of opened up for me.”
In addition to his personal growth, Leonard has taken on a leadership role in the Notre Dame community, organizing a weekly Bible study that has attracted around 40 teammates. His journey has been shaped by experiences outside of athletics, including requiring him to transfer from Duke after an ankle injury, which ultimately allowed him to fulfill a long-time dream of playing for Notre Dame.
Before the team’s playoff game against Indiana, Leonard reflected on the challenges of their early loss and how such experiences can lead to personal growth. With encouragement from his head coach, he embraced the notion that difficult times can strengthen character. After the notable victory in New Orleans, he made sure to attribute the success to his teammates, embodying the humility he admires in his faith, citing a biblical principle that those who are humble will be honored.
Leonard remains optimistic about the future of the Fighting Irish, stating, “We’re going to dare greatly.” He acknowledges the possibility of setbacks but emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
Overall, Riley Leonard’s story is a testament to faith, resilience, and leadership in both sports and life, offering an inspiring message to audiences about the value of humility and purpose beyond achievements.