Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, after a strong National Championship Game performance against Ohio State, has reflected on an important experience during the Senior Bowl. In an interview with the NFL Network, Leonard discussed the profound impact NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning had on him while attending their quarterback academy.
Leonard revealed that one of his biggest takeaways from the camp was observing how dedicated and intentional both Peyton and Eli Manning were with every participant. The biggest takeaway that I took was how intentional Peyton and Eli, who are all-time quarterbacks, were with every single kid at that camp, Leonard shared. About 2,000 kids go to Thibodaux, Louisiana in the middle of summer, on the hottest weekend of the year, and Peyton and Eli spend time with every single kid. They know every water boy, every water girl’s name. These little details show just how much they care about people.
Notre Dame’s Season Recap
Leonard’s journey to this point has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. After an early season setback to Northern Illinois, many questioned Notre Dame’s prospects. However, Leonard rallied and helped lead the Fighting Irish to a strong finish, showing resilience and leadership on the field, especially during the National Championship Game. Despite the loss to Ohio State, Leonard’s performance remained a bright spot, underscoring his ability to shine under pressure.