The text will seem mean to most people as it comes from his own mother, but for Leonard, it’s a tradition he has built up since his high school playing days. The redshirt senior who transferred from Duke to Notre Dame this offseason even wears a wristband with those words.
The words will inspire him ahead of the national championship game between No. 7 Notre Dame (14-1) and No. 8 Ohio State (13-2) from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
“My mom, before every football game, texts me, ‘You suck,’” Leonard said in an ESPN video shared on Instagram. “It started in high school. I was tired of everybody telling me how good I was all the time. I needed someone to tell me I suck every once in a while to give me some motivation.”
Leonard was a two-sport athlete at Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Alabama. As a senior, he earned second-team all-state honors as a quarterback and also excelled on the basketball court, averaging 20.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game to lead the Pirates to a 27-2 record.
According to a segment from ESPN’s “College GameDay,” in 2023, when Leonard was still with the Blue Devils, he and his parents sat down for a strategy session after his play received more attention.
“I needed someone to tell me I suck sometimes,” Leonard said to “GameDay.” “So my mom raised her hand and said, ‘I got you.’”
Thus, the tradition was born.
“I just told him, ‘You suck,’” Heather Leonard said.
“It lets him know, as much as I’m telling him, ‘You suck,’ I’m also kinda telling him that I love you and I’m behind you and I’m supporting you.”
Leonard transferred to Notre Dame this offseason from Duke when his Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko took the coaching position at Texas A&M. Leonard entered the portal for his final season of eligibility and quickly committed to the Fighting Irish, where his great-grandfather, James E. Curran, played football for in 1940.
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman added Leonard to replace Wake Forest transfer quarterback Sam Hartman and keep the Fighting Irish in the running for a CFP run. Freeman was not surprised by the tradition his signal-caller and his mother have.
“When I heard that it’s a reminder to me of why he’s so competitive,” Freeman said. “And whatever it is that she’s doing and whatever that text means to him, it’s getting him to play at a high level.”
Why Riley Leonard’s mom texts him ‘You Suck’ before every game
At first glance, it may seem strange for a mother to send her son such a seemingly negative message before a big game. But for Riley Leonard, a star athlete in high school, this text has become a source of motivation and inspiration.
Riley’s mom, Sarah, started sending him the message “You Suck” before every game as a way to remind him to stay humble and hungry. She wanted him to never get too comfortable or complacent, and to always strive to do better.
Instead of taking the message to heart and feeling discouraged, Riley embraced it and used it as fuel to push himself harder. He took it as a challenge to prove his mom wrong and show her that he was capable of greatness.
And it worked. Riley consistently performed at his best during games, always giving 110% and leaving everything on the field. His mom’s unconventional tactic became a running joke among his teammates, but they all knew that it was just another way for Riley to stay focused and driven.
So the next time you see Riley Leonard on the field, just know that his mom’s text message is not a sign of disapproval, but rather a reminder to never settle for mediocrity and always strive for excellence.
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Chad and Heather Leonard welcomed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback on Sept. 13, 2002, several years after they met in high school and later married. The longtime couple are also parents to sons Cole and Devin.
From coaching Riley’s little league days to sending him motivational texts before every football game, Chad and Heather have supported Riley’s athletic journey since he was a kid.
“My parents, Chad and Heather, have been there for us every step of the way and I’ll always be grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made for me over the years,” Riley wrote on his website.
In September 2024, Heather told the local outlet WKRG that while she’s proud of his athletic talents, it’s his work “off the field” that has been “the most rewarding.”
“Since Riley was little, we would get notes or texts or a parent would come up to us and be like, ‘Riley’s a real role model to my son, he’s a leader, and he’s inspired my son to do better at their sport or just in life and be the best that they can be,’ ” she shared. “And that’s all we can ask for as a parent.”
Now, as Riley leads his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College National Championship game on Jan. 20, they’ll be cheering him on once again.
From Chad’s own athletic career to how he and Heather support their son’s football journey, here’s everything to know about Riley Leonard’s parents, Chad and Heather Leonard.
They raised Riley in Alabama, despite both being from near Washington, D.C.
Riley Leonard poses for a photo in November 2018 in Fairhope, Ala.
Riley Leonard/ Instagram
Chad and Heather both grew up near Washington, D.C. and met while in high school, per Advance Local. According to the outlet, Heather attended the all-girls institution Georgetown Visitation, while Chad was a student at the all-boys school Gonzaga Prep, per The Athletic.
They eventually moved to Fairhope, Ala., when their children were young but didn’t expect to stay long-term. However, they ended up enjoying the lifestyle, which allowed their sons to grow up running through the woods.
“They’re outside barefoot running around. We’re from D.C. and it’s like, ‘What happened?’ ” Chad told The Athletic in August 2024. “We decided if we were gonna move to Alabama, we were gonna move to Alabama. There’s a farmer’s field behind us, cows, a pond, they’d go back and fish, get kicked off.”
Although Riley now attends school in Indiana, he told the outlet that the people and sights he has encountered around Notre Dame’s campus remind him of home.
Chad and Heather have two other sons
Riley is Chad and Heather’s middle child, growing up alongside brothers Devin and Cole.
In a December 2024 message to his “Notre Dame Family” in The Players’ Tribune, Riley shared that he and his siblings were “inseparable” growing up.
“We actually had a couple of extra bedrooms in our house, so we could’ve each had our own — but we insisted on not splitting up,” he said. “Our parents caved and let us squeeze three beds into one room.”
Riley shared that they would “get into all types of trouble together,” adding that they spent a lot of time building “forts,” battling with their Star Wars lightsabers and playing sports.
Chad played college basketball
Riley Leonard plays golf with his father Chad Leonard and two brothers Devin and Cole Leonard.
Riley Leonard/ Instagram
Riley’s passion for sports mirrors his father’s, who was also a college athlete. Chad played basketball at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., from 1992 to 1995, per the team’s roster. After graduating, he worked as a golf professional at Rivertowne Country Club and Patriots Point, according to The Post and Courier.
Although Riley was a basketball and football star in high school, Chad initially thought Riley would follow in his footsteps.
“I never pushed him to play basketball, but I always kind of thought he would end up playing basketball in college,” Chad told the outlet in September 2023. “But then COVID happened, and the football offers he was getting he just couldn’t ignore.”
The dad of three had an instinct that his son had a different calling and felt “kind of relieved and excited” when Riley chose football.
“I felt for a long time that he had a quarterback’s body,” he said. “His personality was built for the quarterback position. He’s been a quarterback since he was little. The position comes natural to him.”
Chad added, “He’s a freak athlete and combine that his natural talent for the position and it’s a perfect fit.”
Heather formerly worked in education
Heather graduated with a degree in special education from The College of Charleston. In an April 2011 interview with Advance Local, she revealed that, even as a “little girl,” she knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“I just couldn’t imagine any other career being as fun as working with children all day,” she said.
Heather went on to work at the Sylvan Learning Center as a director of education. She later left the role when she started a family but eventually returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher.
According to the publication, Heather was also involved with her sons’ school, serving as the vice chairwoman of fundraising for the Parent-Teacher Organization.
Chad was one of Riley’s youth sports coaches
Riley Leonard of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after defeating Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Megan Briggs/Getty
As a kid, Riley played various youth sports, with his dad often serving as one of his coaches, according to The Athletic. Riley recalled to the outlet what it was like having him as his T-ball coach, including the mixed reactions he’d receive from his father.
“If I was ever in the outfield, he’d be behind the outfield fence just screaming at me,” Riley said. “But it’s funny because right after the game, my dad is like the most supportive person ever.”
Chad also opened up to ABC57 about what it was like to see his son’s career take off, and he reminisced about simpler times.
“I miss those days so much, Saturday mornings at pee-wee football were a blast, but this is pretty good, too,” he said of his son’s college career.
Heather has a unique way of motivating Riley
Riley Leonard of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws a touchdown in a game against the Virginia Cavaliers on Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind.
Quinn Harris/Getty
There are two important words Riley’s mom texts him before every game and interview: “You suck.”
In a September 2023 interview with ESPN College Football, Riley shared the meaning behind the game day tradition. “I had a lot of expectations in high school. I think at some point it got to me because I started to listen so much to what other people had to think about me,” he said.
“I sat down with my parents, I was like, ‘Man, these expectations. I need somebody to tell me I suck sometimes,’ ” he continued, adding that his mom raised her hand and said, “Hey, I got you.”
“Ever since, before every game, before every interview, she texts me, ‘You suck. Don’t stink. Don’t screw up,’ ” the college football star explained. “If I can take it from her, I can take it from anybody.”
After sharing that Riley likes to “play with a little bit of edge” and “being the underdog,” Heather shared that her two-word tradition is a way of “telling him, ‘I love you, and I’m behind you, and I’m supporting you.’ ”
He also wears the saying on a wristband as a “daily reminder” that’s “with me everywhere I go.”
Meet Chad and Heather Leonard, the proud parents of the talented and charismatic Riley Leonard. Chad and Heather have been a supportive and loving presence in Riley’s life since day one, always cheering her on and encouraging her to pursue her passions.
Chad is a successful business owner, known for his hard work ethic and dedication to his family. He has instilled these values in Riley, teaching her the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving her goals. Chad’s sense of humor and laid-back personality make him a favorite among Riley’s friends, and his love for outdoor adventures has inspired Riley to embrace nature and explore new experiences.
Heather is a devoted mother and homemaker, always putting her family’s needs first. She is a nurturing and compassionate presence in Riley’s life, offering guidance and support in times of need. Heather’s creativity and artistic flair have influenced Riley’s own love for painting and photography, and she has always encouraged Riley to express herself through her art.
Together, Chad and Heather make a dynamic and loving team, providing a stable and nurturing environment for Riley to thrive. Their unwavering support and unconditional love have helped shape Riley into the confident and talented individual she is today. We are grateful for Chad and Heather’s influence in Riley’s life and can’t wait to see what amazing things she will accomplish with their continued support.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured an important 109-98 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night at the Intuit Dome, strengthening their position in the Western Conference of the NBA. However, the win came despite an underwhelming performance from Kawhi Leonard, prompting James Harden to deliver a clear message about the team’s role in supporting their star forward.
“Obviously, he’s just working his way into conditioning-wise, playing-wise, floater game, all of the above,”Harden said of Leonard at the postgame press conference in Los Angeles, as shared by journalist Tomer Azarly on X. ”He hasn’t had a training camp, pre-season, none of that.”
Harden’s comments shed light on the factors affecting Leonard‘s performance to start the season. Against the Heat, the two-time NBA champion managed only 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 21 minutes, well below the level expected from a player of his caliber.
Recognizing the importance of team support, Harden emphasized the need for the Clippers to ease Leonard’s transition back into form. “I think for us, it’s just try to make his job a lot easier,” Harden explained. “For us, it’s just continue to do what we’ve been doing and then slowly incorporating him into what we’re doing.” Despite Leonard’s struggles, Harden remained positive, adding, “He’s looked great.”
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on October 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Leonard shares his perspective
Kawhi Leonard, addressing his performance and return after an extended absence, expressed patience and optimism. “I’m taking my time,” he said. “I’m good where I’m at… I’m just playing really and trying to do my job to help the team win.”
He also reflected on his physical condition. “I feel good and as long as I’m feeling good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots. That’s all I’m looking for.” Leonard added that the win over Miami was a step in the right direction. “Happy we got the win. Good team win.”
Clippers thrive despite Leonard’s struggles
Even with Leonard still finding his rhythm, the Clippers have managed to stay competitive in the Western Conference, holding a 21-17 record. Against the Heat, the team leaned on standout performances from James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac.
Harden led the way with 23 points and 11 assists, while Powell posted a team-high 29 points. Ivica Zubac delivered an impressive double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 20 rebounds.
see also
Kawhi Leonard reflects on the biggest challenge of his Clippers season debut
Leonard praised his teammates’ efforts, expressing optimism for the team’s outlook. “They’ve been playing well all season,” he said. “Hopefully we can get some wins under our belts and move up in the standings, secure a playoff spot. That’s what we’re working for.”
James Harden, the star guard for the Brooklyn Nets, recently sent a clear message to the Los Angeles Clippers about Kawhi Leonard’s struggles this NBA season. Leonard, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in the league, has been facing criticism for his inconsistent performances and lackluster play.
Harden, known for his sharp shooting and playmaking abilities, made a statement during a recent press conference, highlighting Leonard’s difficulties on the court. Harden pointed out Leonard’s below-average shooting percentage and his struggles to make an impact in crucial moments of games.
The message from Harden serves as a warning to the Clippers that they cannot rely solely on Leonard to carry them to success. With the playoffs fast approaching, the Clippers will need Leonard to elevate his game if they hope to make a deep postseason run.
Harden’s comments have sparked a debate among basketball fans about Leonard’s current form and whether he can regain his dominant play in time for the playoffs. It remains to be seen how the Clippers will respond to this message from Harden and if Leonard can silence his critics with an impressive playoff performance.
Kawhi Leonard may have returned earlier this month, but on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, he made his true return to the basketball court.
On Wednesday, Leonard put up 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal on 72.7% shooting from the field. Leonard has only played in four games this season, but his game against the Nets was the first time where he actually looked like a version of himself. Granted, it’s still going to take some time before Leonard starts playing like what fans remembered last season.
Unfortunately, Leonard won’t be taking the floor tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers due to the game being a back-to-back. Clippers head coach Ty Lue already revealed on Wednesday that Leonard would not be playing tonight due to injury management.
Ty Lue says Kawhi Leonard will not play against the Portland Trail Blazers tomorrow.
Wednesday night wasn’t just a big performance for Leonard, but also for the Clippers. LA had their largest win in franchise history, defeating the Brooklyn Nets by a shocking 59 points. After the game, Leonard was asked about his performance, and he said he wasn’t surprised.
“No. I work hard every day and I love this game. I put in my repetition. So things like this aren’t a surprise for me,” Leonard said.
Kawhi Leonard was asked if anything about his performance tonight surprised him.
Kawhi: “No. I work hard everyday and I love this game. I put in my repetition. So things like this aren’t a surprise for me.” pic.twitter.com/UBgtzxWAbh
Even without Kawhi Leonard on the court, the LA Clippers should be able to handle the 13-26 Portland Trail Blazers. If not, there are bigger questions to be asked.
Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Status for Clippers vs Trail Blazers
As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to take on the Portland Trail Blazers, all eyes are on star player Kawhi Leonard and his injury status. Leonard has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of several recent games, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming matchup.
According to recent reports, Leonard has been listed as questionable for the game against the Trail Blazers. The team is taking a cautious approach with their star player, as they want to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the court.
Leonard’s presence on the court is crucial for the Clippers, as he is known for his defensive prowess and ability to score clutch baskets. Fans are hopeful that Leonard will be able to suit up for the game against the Trail Blazers, but his health remains the top priority for the team.
Stay tuned for updates on Kawhi Leonard’s injury status as the game approaches. Clippers fans will be eagerly awaiting news on whether their star player will be able to take the court and help lead the team to victory against the Trail Blazers.
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Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish are one of the most prestigious NCAA teams having won 11 national championships in their history.
The school also has a reputation for developing talented players who progress to the NFL with Joe Montana being the most celebrated.
As the NCAA season advances, Notre Dame are in the Sugar Bowl and gunning for a place in the Orange Bowl next week where Penn State await the winner of the Irish clash against Georgia in New Orleans with hopes of progressing deposited in QB Riley Leonard.
Leonard’s NFL Draft projection
Leonard’s numbers for Notre Dame this season have been impressive, but as things stand, the 22-year-old is not considered a top-tier quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Eight current NCAA quarterbacks did make the list of Draft expert Vinnie Iyer with the Notre Dame man absent.
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Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts JUSTIN CASTERLINEAFP
If an NFL team does select Leonard in April, he’d likely be viewed as a developmental prospect or depth option rather than as an immediate starter.
Other draft ‘big boards’ do have Leonard as a lower ranked draft prospect and rate him as a projected sixth round pick.
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Riley Leonard, the talented quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been making waves in college football with his impressive stats and record. As the NFL draft approaches, many are wondering where Leonard will land in the draft.
Leonard’s stats speak for themselves, with an impressive completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown-to-interception ratio. His leadership on the field has also helped lead the Fighting Irish to a successful season.
While projections can vary, many experts believe that Riley Leonard has the potential to be a high draft pick in the NFL. His skills as a quarterback, combined with his work ethic and determination, make him a valuable asset to any team looking for a solid leader on the field.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Riley Leonard to see where he will end up in the NFL. Stay tuned for updates on his draft projection and potential future in professional football.
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The Los Angeles Clippers have been good this season: 18-13, sitting fifth in the Western Conference thanks to a top-five defense and enough offense from James Harden and Norman Powell to win games.
They will get Kawhi Leonard back in a week if everything goes according to plan. Leonard has been back practicing with the team since Dec. 18, and his target return date is Jan. 4, reports Law Murray of the Athletic. Leonard has been out all season due to inflammation in his right knee and will have missed 34 games before his return if he hits the target date.
Here is what coach Tyronn Lue said about Leonard after the Clippers shootaround on Friday, talking about how he has to play more 5-on-5 before the team’s medical staff will clear him.
“I mean, it’s hard to get those [5×5 practice] days because we have three games and four nights coming up. So he won’t travel, he won’t go on the trip, and so he’ll stay back, and he’ll practice with our G league team, to be able to get those reps in, and to get those 5×5 games in…
“He doesn’t like to play 5×5 a lot outside of the games, but this is very important to the medical staff, to Lawrence [Frank, team president], to our group as well, just making sure he’s getting the right amount of reps, making sure he’s doing everything, so this isn’t a recurring thing, so we can kind of monitor the fluid and see how it’s working. So so far, it’s been really good.”
That Clippers road trip is back-to-back Monday and Tuesday at New Orleans and San Antonio, followed by facing Oklahoma City on Thursday.
If the Clippers get the Leonard we saw last season, they become much more dangerous. That Leonard was a Second Team All-NBA player who averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals a night, shot 41.7% on 3-pointers (62.6% true shooting) and played high-level defense. That Leonard next to Harden should boost the Clippers’ bottom 10 offense and make them that much more dangerous.
According to recent reports, the LA Clippers are reportedly targeting the January 4th game against the Atlanta Hawks for star forward Kawhi Leonard’s return to the court. Leonard has been out of action for several weeks due to a knee injury, but it appears he is nearing a comeback.
Fans of the Clippers will be eagerly anticipating Leonard’s return, as he is a key player for the team and has been sorely missed during his absence. His presence on the court will undoubtedly provide a huge boost to the team and their chances of success.
The game against the Hawks on January 4th is sure to be an exciting one, as Leonard’s return will add an extra level of intrigue to the matchup. Be sure to mark your calendars and tune in to see Kawhi Leonard back in action for the Clippers.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard watches from the bench during a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 21. (LM Otero / Associated Press)
Kawhi Leonard took part in a five-on-five practice Thursday, and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said his star forward is making progress in recovering from a right knee injury but there is still no timetable for his season debut.
“He has to play some more five on five,” Lue said. “So we got to get all the days we got to get him in, keep stacking the days and see how he fares after that.”
Leonard will not play against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, nor will he join the team on a three-game trip that starts Monday in New Orleans, Lue said.
While the team is away, Leonard will practice with the San Diego Clippers, the Clippers’ G League team. That will give Leonard more time to play five on five and get the “right amount of reps,” Lue said.
“Making sure he’s doing everything so this doesn’t occur again so we can kind of monitor the fluid and see how it’s working,” Lue said. “So far it’s been really good and we just want to continue to keep progressing.”
The Los Angeles Clippers have provided an update on Kawhi Leonard’s recovery from a knee injury, stating that his progress is “really good” but he is still not yet ready to return to the court.
Leonard has been sidelined since suffering a partial tear of his right ACL during the playoffs last season. The Clippers have been cautious with his recovery, not wanting to rush him back before he is fully healthy.
Head coach Tyronn Lue spoke about Leonard’s progress, saying, “Kawhi is doing really well. His progress has been really good. He’s been working hard and staying on top of his rehab. But he’s still not ready to return just yet.”
The Clippers have managed to stay competitive without Leonard, currently holding a solid record in the Western Conference. However, they are undoubtedly eager to have their star player back in the lineup as soon as possible.
While there is no definitive timeline for Leonard’s return, the Clippers remain optimistic about his recovery and are hopeful that he will be back on the court in the near future. In the meantime, they will continue to monitor his progress and provide updates as they become available.
