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The Two-Word Text Message: 7 Shocking Facts About Riley Leonard's Mother, Heather Leonard

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Riley Leonard’s mother, Heather Leonard, has become a figure of fascination for football fans, not just for her unwavering support, but for a unique, "tough-love" pre-game ritual that has fueled her son’s competitive spirit from high school to the NFL. As of late 2025, with Riley Leonard recently drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, the spotlight on his family is brighter than ever, and his mother’s story is far more compelling than typical sports parent narratives. The truth about the text she sends him—which Riley himself requested—reveals a deep, complex, and motivating relationship that has helped shape the Notre Dame transfer into a professional quarterback. The mother of the Indianapolis Colts' new quarterback, Heather Leonard, is a pillar of strength and a source of unconventional motivation, with a background rooted in education and community service. Her life, alongside her husband Chad Leonard, provides a crucial foundation for the former Duke and Notre Dame star, and the following facts offer a deep dive into the woman behind the athlete.

Riley Leonard: A Quick Look at the Colts' New Quarterback and His Family

Riley Leonard, born on September 13, 2002, in Fairhope, Alabama, has quickly risen from a highly-touted high school prospect to an NFL rookie. His journey through college football, marked by his time with the Duke Blue Devils and a high-profile transfer to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, culminated in his selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This recent professional milestone has brought his supportive and fascinating family into the public eye.

Riley Leonard Biography & Profile:

  • Full Name: Riley Leonard
  • Date of Birth: September 13, 2002
  • Age (as of December 2025): 23
  • Hometown: Fairhope, Alabama
  • Parents: Chad Leonard (Father) and Heather Leonard (Mother)
  • Siblings: Cole Leonard and Devin Leonard (Brothers)
  • Fiancée: Molly Walding (Got engaged in 2025)
  • High School: Fairhope High School
  • College Career: Duke Blue Devils (2021–2023), Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2024)
  • NFL Status: Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts (Sixth Round, 189th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft
  • Position: Quarterback (QB)

The Shocking Two-Word Text: Why Heather Leonard Texts "You Suck"

One of the most widely reported and fascinating details about Riley Leonard’s pre-game routine is the text message he receives from his mother, Heather Leonard. Before every single game, from his days at Fairhope High School to his final season at Notre Dame, Heather sends him the exact same two words: "You suck."

This harsh message is not a sign of a lack of faith; it is a profound and unique form of "tough-love" motivation that Riley himself requested.

1. The Text is a Self-Motivating Ritual

Riley Leonard explained that the text message is a self-imposed psychological trigger. He wasn't the highest-rated quarterback coming out of high school, and that perceived slight always bothered him. He asked his mother to send the message as a way to "fuel his competitive edge" and keep him from getting complacent. The message serves as a reminder of his underdog status and the drive he needs to prove his doubters—real or imagined—wrong on the field, whether he was playing for Duke, Notre Dame, or now the Indianapolis Colts.

2. Heather Leonard’s Background is in Special Education

Beyond her role as a football mom, Heather Leonard is a professional with a background in education. She earned a degree in special education from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Her professional experience includes working at the Sylvan Learning Center, a testament to her dedication to teaching and helping others achieve their potential.

3. She Met Riley’s Father, Chad, in High School

Heather and Chad Leonard have a long-standing relationship, having met while they were still in high school near Washington, D.C. They eventually married and welcomed Riley on September 13, 2002. Their enduring relationship and shared history form the bedrock of the Leonard family.

The Leonard Family’s Deep Ties to Sports and Service

The athletic prowess and competitive spirit that Riley Leonard displays on the field are deeply rooted in his family history, which extends beyond his own immediate parents to his grandparents and siblings.

4. Riley’s Father Was a Division I Basketball Player

Riley’s father, Chad Leonard, was a successful NCAA Division I basketball player. He played for The Citadel under head coach Pat Dennis. This athletic lineage means Riley grew up in a household that understood the dedication, sacrifice, and mental toughness required to compete at an elite level, a context that makes his mother’s "tough-love" text message even more understandable.

5. She is a Mother to Three Athletic Sons

Heather and Chad Leonard are parents to three sons: Riley, Cole, and Devin. All three boys have been involved in sports, creating a highly competitive, yet supportive, family environment. The dynamic of raising multiple athletes likely contributed to the development of the unique motivational strategies, like the famous pre-game text, that she employs with Riley.

6. The Family Has a Strong Commitment to Philanthropy

The Leonard family’s commitment to giving back is significant. Riley’s paternal grandfather, Gib Leonard, started the Buy a Brick Foundation. This charitable organization is dedicated to making a lasting change in Zimbabwe. This philanthropic legacy underscores the values of community and service instilled in Riley by his entire family, including his mother, Heather.

7. Heather Leonard Has Shared Public Messages of Pride

Despite the private "You suck" text, Heather Leonard has been very public with her pride and support for her son. Before his college career took off, she was featured in a YouTube video where she shared an encouraging message, saying, “The town's excited, the world is excited, and we're so proud of you.” This duality—the private, requested toughness and the public, effusive pride—perfectly encapsulates the complex and highly effective motivational relationship between Riley and his mother as he begins his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Heather Leonard's Role in Riley's NFL Journey

As Riley Leonard transitions from college football to the rigorous environment of the NFL, his mother, Heather Leonard, remains a crucial part of his support system. The "You suck" text is expected to continue as a core part of his pre-game ritual, a constant reminder of the chip on his shoulder that has propelled his success. Her background in special education highlights a deep, empathetic understanding of individual motivation, which she has expertly applied to her son’s unique psychological needs as an elite athlete. The entire Leonard family, including his recently engaged brother, Cole, and his fiancée, Molly Walding, will be cheering him on as he embarks on his professional career with the Colts.

riley leonard mother
riley leonard mother

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