They say Lady Luck is one of the keys to success. Well, in Notre Dame’s quarterback Riley Leonard’s case, it turned out to be true. Marcus Freeman’s wonder boy is blessed with the love of his life, Molly Walding. The couple has been dating since 2017. And we have seen how Leonard gifted the Fighting Irish fans with some best moments last season. Even though they lost the Natty to Ohio State, the quarterback came up with 255 yards and 2 touchdowns. In his journey, he has found his sweetheart by his side. Now that Walding has hit a milestone, how could Leonard not celebrate? Last time, he covered 1,332 miles to be there for his sweetheart’s big day in Auburn. And what about his time? 

Well, unlike Leonard, Walding did not choose the path of sports. Having grown up in Faithope, Alabama, her father, Mike, owned the Big Mike Steakhouse. While going by her mother, Anna Walding’s IG profile, she is into modelling. But Molly did not pursue any of her parents’ careers. She attended Fairhope Middle School, where she met the love of her life, Leonard. And the Notre Dame fans might be thanking Molly for her passion for cheerleading. But this isn’t the same old love story of a CFB standout and a cheerleader. Leonard’s sweetheart then pursued a degree in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Auburn University – and it came with a big sacrifice.

With Molly at Auburn and Leonard starting at Duke and later moving to Notre Dame in 2023, the couple was in a long-distance relationship. But the distance couldn’t dampen the love that they had for each other. While Molly was spotted cheering for her beau during the Game Day from the stands, Leonard celebrated his sweetheart’s academic milestones.

On April 23, Molly posted a couple of pictures from her graduation day. The caption read, “It’s easy to say why I chose Auburn, but it’s even easier to say why I love it. War Eagle!!!!!!!!” Not being an Auburn student, it might have been difficult for the Notre Dame quarterback to feel the high emotions, but he did not think twice before hyping up his lady love with some love and support. On the same day, Leonard reshared Molly’s post on his IG story. 

Leonard’s caption captured his love and respect towards her as it read, “Yes ma’am.” To make things more love-dovey, he added the ‘Best of My Love’ song in the IG story. Turns out that the quarterback could not make it to Molly’s big day this time. The last time, he did not think twice before making a 1332-mile trip in one day just to make the love of his life feel special.  

Riley Leonard is giving boyfriend goals 

On March 24, Molly had his ‘last formal’ day. And in no way could Leonard afford to miss it. The journey from Indiana to Auburn makes up for 666 miles, and the round trip is 1,332 miles. So, he flew off to Auburn to fulfill Molly’s wish. She had shared the snap that the couple clicked together on her first formal day. With this, Molly wished to maintain the streak and click a picture with her beau on her ‘last formal day.’ And Leonard made that possible. So, you can see how Walding feels proud to have the quarterback as her man.

The caption said it all. “Bragging on him for a sec! He made time to come to my last formal in such a crazy season for him! Flew in Friday morning and flew out Saturday morning💛 He’s the best!” That’s how serious and consistent Leonard is about his love life, just like his professional life. Maybe the distance here has been a blessing in disguise. Instead of dampening their feelings for each other, it made them into more serious lovers. 

Now that they hardly get any chance to spend some quality time with each other, they do not let the opportunities slip away. For instance, Riley Leonard has a high-stakes test ahead of him at Lambeau Field. So, that’s when the quarterback thought of taking a breather. And what better way to lift up his spirits than taking a trip with the love of his life? Thus, the couple took a serene escape to the Pelican City. On April 20, Molly Walding shared snaps from their sweet getaway with the caption, “Surprise day trip to NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.” When together, they build memories; when apart, they chase greatness.