Notre Dame QB Praises Jesus after Playoff Win, Says ‘Without Him, I Wouldn’t Be Here’
- Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Published Jan 03, 2025
The quarterback who led Notre Dame to a dominating playoff victory over Georgia Thursday is praising Jesus for his success. Quarterback Riley Leonard completed 15 of 24 passes for 90 yards and one touchdown and ran for another 80 yards as the fifth-seeded Fighting Irish defeated the second-seeded Bulldogs, 23-10, in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Leonard was named the offensive player of the game.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I wouldn't be here, and we wouldn't be here as a whole group," Leonard said during a postgame interview on ESPN.
Leonard thanked the Notre Dame fans who made the trip to New Orleans. He also credited the Irish defense.
"That's a really good team we played," he said of Georgia, the SEC champions. "I'm just so grateful for this opportunity. This is a beautiful thing and a dream come true."
Leonard led the team in rushing -- a rare achievement in a sport where players in other positions typically handle most of the carries.
"When you're struggling in the passing game, you've got to put your body on the line and whatever it takes to win," he said. "That's what I tell these guys all the time. I try to lead by example and put my body on the line. Hopefully it lets these guys know how much I care about them, how much I care about this university."
Notre Dame now advances to the college football final four in a semifinal matchup against Penn State Jan. 9.
Although the Irish are an impressive 13-1, their season appeared doomed after suffering an upset loss to Northern Illinois in September. At the time, their playoff hopes seemed all but shattered.
"When you trust in the Lord, anything can happen," he said. "And this team fought every single week. I mean, that was the lowest of the low. …Hard work does pay off."
This is great.
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 3, 2025
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard gives thanks to Jesus on ESPN postgame after the Irish advance past Georgia.
“Without Him, I wouldn’t be here.” pic.twitter.com/D2g09mwnA5
An offseason transfer from Duke, Leonard is often public about his faith. His Instagram bio reads: "No God - No Peace. Know God - Know Peace."
During a postgame interview after a victory in September, Leonard pointed to his wristband, which includes a Bible verse.
"My favorite verse, Matthew 23:12 -- 'Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Those who humble themselves will be exalted.' So it's a verse that I carry with me every single day," Leonard said at the time.
He grew up in Fairhope, Ala.
"Every single person in that city that I came into contact with helped me with my faith. I'm able to bring that here," he told the Irish Tribune. "Obviously, that's the most important thing in my life. When I go to bed at night, I'm not thinking, 'How many touchdown passes did I throw?' 'Did we win or lose?' I'm thinking, 'Did I better my relationship with Jesus Christ? Did I treat my girlfriend with respect? Did I call my parents?'"
Photo Credit: ©X/Sports Spectrum
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
