Riley Leonard, a former quarterback for Fairhope High School and a recent addition to the Indianapolis Colts, is stepping into a crucial role this NFL season. Initially serving as the emergency third quarterback, Leonard’s position evolved when Anthony Richardson suffered an eye injury during warmups ahead of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Leonard Takes Advantage of Opportunity
With Richardson on injured reserve and missing at least the next four games, Leonard is now the backup to starter Daniel Jones. Leonard expressed mixed feelings about this unexpected promotion, emphasizing the nature of the NFL is the “next man up.” He indicated his preparation won’t change significantly, focusing instead on being ready to step in if needed.
“Mentally, it’s obviously a little different,” Leonard noted. “But nothing really changes for me. I kind of operate the same.” His calm demeanor and preparation helped him stand out, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who highlighted Leonard’s dedication since joining the team.
Support from Teammates
Daniel Jones, who has guided the Colts to a solid 5-1 start this season, praised Leonard for his hard work and talent since arriving from Notre Dame as a sixth-round draft pick in April. “He’s been fun to work with,” Jones remarked, acknowledging Leonard’s great energy and spirit.
- Leonard’s college career includes:
- Three seasons at Duke: 4,450 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 1,224 rushing yards, and 19 touchdowns.
- One season at Notre Dame: 2,861 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 906 rushing yards.
Game Day Preparation
The Colts are set to face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday. Coach Steichen expressed confidence in Leonard’s readiness to perform under pressure, should the need arise. “He’s ready to go play football,” Steichen affirmed, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for any situation on game day.
Looking Forward
As Leonard gears up for his new responsibilities, he understands the weight of stepping up when called upon. “You never wish anything upon the starter,” he concluded, displaying a strong sense of team spirit and camaraderie.
With the Colts arriving at this matchup with a 5-1 record, all eyes will be on Leonard as he embraces this opportunity to showcase his abilities in the heat of NFL competition.
