One thing that’s never wavered in Riley Leonard’s journey? Molly Walding’s love and support. After a standout 2024 season at Notre Dame, Riley heard his name called in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft—headed to the Indianapolis Colts. On April 27, Molly celebrated the moment with a heartfelt post, sharing a sweet photo wrapped in Riley’s arms. Dressed in a crisp white top and denim shorts, she beamed beside her man, who proudly rocked his Colts gear. Her caption said it all: “Newest @colts fan!!!!!!!!💙🤍” So, a new team, a new chapter—but the same strong bond that’s carried them this far.

Simply put, Riley and Molly have been through it all—Friday night lights, long-distance college days, and now, the NFL leap. However, their love story began back in 2017 at Fairhope High School—he was the star quarterback, she was the spirited cheerleader. Years later, they’re still standing strong. But as Riley heads to Indianapolis to begin his NFL journey, emotions naturally run high. The distance feels a little heavier now, and Molly expressed it with a 4-word plea to the Colts. Still, for this pair, love is louder than distance.

On May 9, Molly Walding captured a moment that said it all. Riley Leonard, dressed sharp in black and rocking a Colts cap, looked every bit the NFL rookie as he prepped for takeoff. The Colts shared the clip with the caption, “@riley.jleonard on-site. 👋.” But it was Molly’s response that tugged at hearts. First, a proud cheer—”And he’s off!!!! ✈️.” Then came the heartfelt plea: “Indianapolis take care of him!” Simple. Powerful. And full of love from a girl watching her guy chase his dream, miles away but always close at heart.

Now, excitement is building fast around Riley Leonard’s NFL debut — and it’s not just the fans talking. Even former Colts legend Philip Rivers chimed in after Leonard’s draft-day call-up. “The thing about Riley, he’s going to do all those things right,” said Rivers. Adding, “He’s going to be there early. He’s going to end up being an asset to the whole quarterback room… all while he’s getting himself better.” Now, with Shane Steichen at the helm and a solid offensive staff behind him, Leonard’s new chapter in Indy looks like it’s off to a promising, playbook-worthy start.

Riley Leonard earns strong backing for QB1 spot

Drafting Riley Leonard in the sixth round wasn’t just a throwaway pick—it was a calculated move. Sure, Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson are ahead on the Colts’ QB depth chart. And yes, many see Leonard as a long-term project. But don’t count him out just yet. He’s not here to sit quietly. After leading Notre Dame to a national title appearance, Leonard arrives in Indy with a chip on his shoulder and eyes on the QB1 spot.

Riley Leonard may be slotted behind Jason Bean on the Colts’ depth chart for now, but don’t let that fool you—this race is wide open. Leonard steps in to fill the shoes of Sam Ehlinger, who departed in free agency. And with the kind of QB room Indianapolis has, opportunity can knock fast. Here, HC Shane Steichen is already fired up about what Leonard brings to the table. “I just think the athletic ability that he has at the quarterback position, what he was able to do at Notre Dame this year, leading them to the National Championship speaks volumes of the player and the competitor that he is,” said Steichen. Adding, “Just to add that depth in that room is big.” Translation: Leonard’s got next.

Look, Riley Leonard steps into the NFL with the same dual-threat flair as Richardson and Jones, only without the immediate spotlight. A late-round gem with big upside, Leonard enters the Colts’ QB room with something the others don’t: a clean slate. Richardson’s first two years have been rocky. Jones hasn’t fared much better, bouncing from the Giants to the Vikings. Now, it’s a fresh battle. No promises, no pressure. Just one question: who’s hungry enough to claim QB1?