Once in Fairhope, Alabama, a teenager wowed the locals on the basketball court. Riley Leonard, now the star quarterback for Notre Dame, wasn’t always known for his football skills. Once, he was that kid who could dunk in a breeze and fill stat sheets on the court. Riley wasn’t just an athlete for the 25,000 residents of this tight-knit community, he was their athlete. People have a new appreciation now for his talent, as a recently unearthed video of his basketball days has surfaced.

Many fans and critics alike are hyped seeing that video, showing Leonard’s high-flying dunks as well as his sheer dominance on the hardwood. It’s hard to believe it’s the same guy who once averaged an impressive 20.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a high school junior turned into a football phenom.

Basketball wasn’t just a hobby for Leonard—it was his ticket to Division I programs that were eager to lock him down. But here’s the twist: he wasn’t just a basketball star. While dominating the court, he was also shining on the football field. As Fairhope High’s quarterback, Leonard’s senior year numbers were nothing short of spectacular—1,870 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and another five rushing scores. That kind of dual-sport talent? It’s the stuff of legend.

It wasn’t always clear which sport would win Leonard’s heart. For some time, it looked like basketball might be his ticket, but the pull of football was too much to resist. Fast forward to today, and it’s obvious he made the right choice. What’s even more interesting is how his basketball background shaped his football career. Now those court awareness, competitive mindset, and agility he built playing hoops give him an advantage as Notre Dame’s dual-threat quarterback.

And what an edge it’s been. This season, Leonard has not only met expectations—he’s crushed them. He’s outpaced defenders with his legs, led game-winning drives, and now has become the heart of the Fighting Irish.

This season has been one for the books. Notre Dame went 11-1 in the regular season under Leonard before it won three playoff games to reach a College Football Playoff National Championship game.

His stats? Incredible. He completed 66.4% of his passes for 2,606 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 866 yards and 16 more touchdowns on 167 carries. Notre Dame’s offense, thanks to Leonard, ranked sixth nationally, averaging 37 points per game. It’s not just the numbers, though. It’s the way he plays—with a calm confidence that fans can’t get enough of.

Breaking records and making history for Notre Dame

Leonard hasn’t just been playing football; he’s been rewriting Notre Dame’s history books. This season, he broke the school’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 15. He also climbed to second place among active FBS quarterbacks for career rushing touchdowns, with 33 to his name.

As Leonard prepares to lead Notre Dame in the national championship against Ohio State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would secure Notre Dame’s first title since 1988 for Leonard and cement him in Fighting Irish history. But for those back in Fairhope, his story was already written long before this moment.

They remember the teenager who could light up a basketball court and bring a crowd to its feet. They watch him now on an even bigger stage, throwing touchdown passes just as gracelessly and just as confidently as he did on the hardwood.

Riley Leonard’s story isn’t a story of stats or trophies, it’s a story of the journey. It’s about a kid from a small town, getting to greatness one play, one game, and one opportunity at a time. It’s a nice reminder that sometimes, the path to success is not always a straight line. And it’s made the destination all the sweeter for Leonard.