Riley Leonard’s Open Letter to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Family
Dear Notre Dame Fighting Irish Community,
As I sit here contemplating about this season, I am flooded with emotions such as pride, appreciation, disappointment, and hope. Writing this letter is difficult, but I feel compelled to express my views with all of you—the people who have supported us through every high and low.
First and foremost, I’d like to express my gratitude to my teammates, coaches, and the entire Fighting Irish community. You have all been my rock, source of inspiration, and encouragement to keep going every day. This season was filled with wonderful memories, and while the outcome was not as we had intended, I am extremely pleased of what we accomplished together.
Losing the College Football Playoff Championship to the Ohio State Buckeyes was devastating. We got so close to accomplishing the ultimate goal, and it’s disheartening to consider how much effort, dedication, and sacrifice we put into this season only to fall short. I know many of you are in pain, and I want you to know that we, as players, feel it just as much. This loss does not define us; rather, it is part of a bigger story of perseverance, growth, and drive.
Notre Dame’s heartbeat is you, our dedicated fans. Week after week, you packed the stadium with your cheers, unshakeable support, and believe in us. Whether we were winning by landslide or facing hardship, your enthusiasm never faltered. Your enthusiasm reminded us of why we wear blue and gold and battle so hard on and off the pitch. Thank you for transforming Notre Dame Stadium into a fortress and travelling far and wide to show your support.
I’d also like to thank the university, its staff, and faculty for their persistent efforts behind the scenes to support our team. You’ve built an environment that encourages achievement not only in sports, but also in academics and personal development. I am honoured to represent this university and be a part of a program that promotes integrity, perseverance, and community.
To my teammates, this is only the beginning. Every setback serves as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. I am happy to call you brothers, and I know you all contributed everything you had this season. The ties we’ve formed on and off the pitch are unbreakable, and I’m confident that we will continue to achieve great things together.
Finally, to the future players who will take this program forward, keep in mind that the Fighting Irish history extends beyond any single game or season. It is about dedication, character, and striving for greatness in whatever you do. Trust the process, rely on your teammates, and never lose sight of the privilege of wearing this jersey.
As I continue on my own journey, I will keep the things I learnt at Notre Dame with me forever. Thank you for letting me be a part of something so great. My passion and pride for this program and community are immense.
With humility and thanks.
Riley Leonard is a quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, wearing number 12.