The quarterback, who led Notre Dame to a dominant playoff victory over Georgia on Thursday, credits Jesus for his success. In the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl, quarterback Riley Leonard completed 15 of 24 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, and ran for another 80 yards to defeat the No. 5 seed. The Fighting Irish defeated the second-seeded Bulldogs 23-10. In New Orleans. Leonard was selected as the offensive player of the game.
Leonard thanked Notre Dame fans for visiting New Orleans. He also He gave credit to the Irish defense.
“it is really good “That was the team we played,” he said of SEC champion Georgia. “I'm really grateful to have been given this opportunity. this It's a beautiful thing and a dream come true. ”
Leonard led the team in rushing. It's a rare feat in a sport where players in other positions typically handle most of the carries.
“When you’re struggling in the passing game, you have to put your body on the line and do whatever it takes to win,” he said. “This is what I always tell them: I try to lead by example and lead physically. I hope these people know how much I care about them.how much do you care? This university. ”
Notre Dame advanced to the final four in college football with a semifinal match against Penn State on January 9th.
The Irish had an impressive 13-1 record, but their season appeared to be doomed after an upset loss to Northern Illinois in September. At the time, their playoff hopes seemed all but dashed.
“If you trust in the Lord, anything can happen,” he said. “And this team fought every week. I mean, it was the worst of the worst. … Hard work always pays off.”
This is wonderful.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard thanked Jesus on ESPN postgame after the Irish defeated Georgia.
“If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here.” pic.twitter.com/D2g09mwnA5
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 3, 2025
Leonard, who transferred from Duke University in the offseason, has often been open about his faith. His Instagram profile reads, “Without God, there is no peace. When you know God, you will know peace.”
In a postgame interview after a win in September, Leonard pointed to a wristband with a Bible verse written on it.
“My favorite poem, Matthew 23:12 –“Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Those who humble themselves will be exalted.' So that's the poem I carry with me every day” Leonard said at the time.
He grew up in Fairhope, Alabama.
“Every single person in that town I It helped my faith. I can do it Bring it here,” he said. irish tribune. ”clearly, It's the most important thing in my life. When I go to bed at night, I don't think, “How many touchdown passes did I throw?” “Did you win or lose?”' You're wondering, “Would my relationship with Jesus Christ be better?” Did I treat my girlfriend with respect? Did I call my parents?“”
Photo courtesy: ©X/Sports Spectrum
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
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