Riley Leonard is taking center stage in the daily football gossip while Notre Dame awaits a win in their first-round playoff match against the Indiana Hoosiers. Marcus Freeman is leaving no stone unturned to make it as grand as possible, and Leonard stands as his sharpest weapon. You would be a little exaggerated if we coin Riley as the most talented player on the team, but come on, he’s still Mr. Reliable whenever and wherever the team needs him. But he’s not the one to steal the spotlight this time. His girlfriend had some share, too. Here is the tea.

The senior rushed for 721 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Fighting Irish to a respectable height while his power running stands out beyond the numbers. Insecurity and excitement both loom large as the QB inches closer to having another marquee win or drastic loss under his pads. He is undergoing a crucial time. Elsewhere in the world, his lady luck, Molly Walding, is having a bittersweet time in her life/career as well. Love connects the dots in some way or other.

Molly is an Auburn University student who is pursuing hospitality event management and minoring in business. Her area of expertise is event organizing, and she has been making a name for herself in the hospitality sector. Now, as time and memories have to move on, no matter how good it is, Molly has reached almost the end of her last semester in college. To mark the memory on her IG feed, she made a beautiful photo dump with some precious memories with friends throughout her life at Auburn. Sharing those in an album, the Irish footballer’s fiancee wrote, BRB AUB!! These are the moments we’re gonna want back!! 🎞️🤍📸… In the story, she put a sobbing emoji, noting the heartbreaking reality of life.

Since Riley is at Duke and Molly is at Auburn, their relationship weathered the storm of the long distance. But that didn’t hamper their bond even a bit. You will know it better if you stock them on social media. Although it is unknown whether or not Molly moves to Riley’s place as her graduation is over, it doesn’t matter at all.

Molly and Riley grew up in Fairhope, Alabama, and came across each other in their years at Fairhope High School. Molly had been a part of the cheerleading squad, whereas Riley used to play football on the ground. The old-school souls fell in love with each other, and the rest is a beguiling history. Recently, their relationship stepped up to the next phase in a quite dramatic way.

Riley Leonard shares a fairytale moment with his high school love

Back in late October 2024, Leonard made a stunning record against Brian Newberry’s Midshipmen. He capped off a 9-ply and 75-yard opening drive, catching the crowd off guard. Following the excellence of his legs, it was his heart’s turn to take over. Just a day after, the Irish QB went on his knees for his sweetie and proposed for the marriage. Molly posted the special moment of her life in an Insta post and let the world know what a gem of a man she got for life.

The lady was clearly over the moon when sharing her feelings through words, ‘‘Can’t!!! Stop!!!! Smiling!!!!!!”. The prized QB, who is an unstoppable beast under the helmet, was seen in quite rare energy while offering the engagement ring and his heart to his beau.

Enough goosebumps for the fans! As Riley has a decisive test this weekend, we can only shout, may football live long and love live longer.