When Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard took the snaps for the Fighting Irish against Texas A&M on Saturday night, he clearly had faith in his heart.
Leonard used eye black to paint a cross on the left side of his face, and the cross remained there throughout the game as the No. 7 Fighting Irish defeated the No. 20 Aggies, 23-13.
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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws a pass against Texas A&M University during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
The Duke transfer quarterback completed 18 of 30 passes for 158 yards against former Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko and didn't throw a touchdown pass, but instead had running backs Jeremiah Love and J'Darian Price rush for scores.
Additionally, fans spotted Leonard wearing a Bible verse on his wrist, which reads, “He that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
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Leonard acknowledged in February that his faith was a factor in deciding which university to transfer to: Notre Dame is a Catholic institution.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) speaks during an interview after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on August 31, 2024 in College Station, Texas, USA. (Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports)
“Every single person I've met in town has helped me with my faith, and I've been able to bring that faith here, and obviously that's the most important thing in my life,” he said. Irish Tribune “When I go to bed at night, I don't think, 'How many touchdown passes did I throw? Did I win or lose?' I think, 'Did I improve my relationship with Jesus Christ? Did I treat my girlfriend with respect? Did I call my parents?'”
That was evident on Saturday night.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) attempts a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on August 31, 2024 in College Station, Texas, USA. (Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports)
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Notre Dame returns home next week to face Northern Illinois University.
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