Alright, picture this: Riley Leonard, once an underrated quarterback, will find himself under center of the College Football Playoff National Championship. It’s Martin Luther King Day, and the stakes? Higher than ever. Notre Dame faces Ohio State, and Leonard is ready to show up big time. “Josh Allen has the mindset of a runner… I think a bit like him,” he said. Well, Allen also has the mindset of a winner. So, if this does not cut it for a perfect storyline, then what does?

After all, he’s been the heartbeat of the Fighting Irish offense, leading them not just with his arm but with his legs, too. He’s the kind of dual-threat quarterback you just can’t ignore, and his rushing ability has already turned heads. And with all the noise around his performance, there’s another layer to this story that just hits home: Leonard’s strong faith and how it’s shaped him, both on and off the field.

What is Riley Leonard’s Faith and Religion?

Riley Leonard has been vocal about the role his faith plays in his life, on and off the field. “I truly believe that Jesus was looking over both our shoulders throughout the season,” Leonard recently said, reflecting on how both Notre Dame and Ohio State have been open in their commitment to faith. Guess that’s what makes up an interesting clash. Well, at least for Leonard. The thing is, it’s more than just football for him. It’s about trusting God’s plan, even under the bright lights of the national stage.

Leonard’s faith isn’t just personal—it’s contagious. No, didn’t write that to look cool. Quite literally, it is! He’s been instrumental in building a culture of belief within the team, organizing Bible studies, and encouraging his teammates to lean on their spirituality. Even Marcus Freeman couldn’t hold back but acknowledge the god’s work Leonard has been doing, aside from showing leadership.

I mean, it’s not hidden at this point. And why should it be? After an amazing W over Penn State, Leonard credited their success to trusting in God’s will. “Shoot, I just started trusting in the Lord,” he said when asked about a second-half offensive shift. “This offense and this team trust in Jesus and his plan for this season.” Now, as the Fighting Irish prepare for their championship showdown, he’d be praying during the leading hours of the game. Pray. Plot. Practice. Repeat. A mantra you just don’t learn it suddenly. It’s something that is instilled in you.

What is Leonard’s Ethnicity?

Well, let’s see how to put it… Riley Leonard is a fighting Irish in the gridiron. But his firm roots are planted in American soil. Born and raised in Fairhope, Alabama, Leonard’s story is a family affair, rich with athletic tradition and small-town grit. Ever wondered where he gets that energy on the field? Look no further than his parents, Chad and Heather Leonard, who’ve been coaching him on life’s playbook long before he took a snap.

Heather has a more psychological approach to motivation. At the end of the day, she knows her Riley the best. So, what is one pre-game ritual that she resorts to? A humble-brag text that reads, “You suck.” Weird? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. It’s her way of keeping Riley grounded, and honestly, it’s working. So, fair dues!

Chad Leonard, on the other hand, Riley’s dad, is a former NCAA Division I basketball player who balled out at The Citadel and still holds the school’s all-time steals record. Post-basketball, he traded the hardwood for the greens, becoming a golf professional. It’s no surprise Riley grew up competitive, often losing to his dad in driveway basketball battles. Now, this could be another reason for people linking Riley to the hard-court Leonard, Kawhi.

Is Riley Related to Kawhi Leonard?

Let’s clear the air: Riley Leonard and Kawhi Leonard? No relation. It’s not the first time people have tried to connect athletes with matching last names, but this one’s a non-starter. Riley is carving his legacy on the football field as Notre Dame’s star quarterback, while Kawhi dominates NBA courts with his quiet precision for the Clippers.

Same name, different games—simple as that. Kind of like assuming Michael Jordan and DeAndre Jordan are cousins because they share a last name. Nope, not even close. But back to Riley—because this isn’t about basketball, and he’s got a bigger stage ahead.

With the National Championship looming and his Senior Bowl ticket punched, Riley is all anyone can talk about (of all the Leonards, right now!). He’s completed 66.4% of his passes this season, racking up over 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns. Oh, you can bet the NFL scouts are taking notice, and so are the fans.