In Photos: Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard and GF Molly Walding turn into tourists at The Bean in Chicago
The new Notre Dame quarterback, Riley Leonard, is enjoying the off-season before he suits up to play for the Fighting Irish for the first time. He was seen spending time with his girlfriend, Molly Walding, in Chicago.
Walding uploaded a series of pictures on her Instagram story. She and her boyfriend posed in front of The Bean. In another picture, she posed in front of the city's urban landscape.
Riley and Molly have been together for six years. The two celebrate their anniversary on December 22. Last year, the two posed for a cute snap at the Maple View Farm Ice Cream.
Along with going on fun trips with Riley Leonard, Molly also cheers on the sideline for him.
Riley Leonard is looking to replicate the game of the Washington Commanders' QB
Leonard entered the transfer portal in November 2023 from the Duke Blue Devils. He announced in December that he had transferred to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Despite struggling with injuries during his time with Duke, Riley Leonard has no limitations as he aims to keep himself healthy in the upcoming season.
“Healthy, healthy, healthy,” Leonard said (per On3 Sports). “I can’t stress that enough. I’m very healthy. If you were walking around in my body, you wouldn’t even know you had any injuries in the first place. I’m feeling good. There’s no limitations to workout-wise that I’m doing. So, I feel good.”
Along with keeping himself healthy and physically safe, Leonard is aiming to emulate the playing style of the former Arizona State and LSU QB Jayden Daniels.
Leonard said he had been watching and analyzing Daniels' films while with the LSU Tigers.
“I think the proof is in the pudding with Jayden Daniels,” Leonard said. “Obviously, he’s probably a little bit faster than me but — probably a lot of bit faster than me — but I can still make those reads, make those throws that he was making. The checks as well. So, I think for Denbrock, I’m just watching Jayden Daniels film all day, is what I do.”
The Notre Dame QB accepted that he is aiming to "replicate" Daniels' game. Even though it would be difficult for him to amass 1,000 yards in rushing as Daniels did in 2023, it will be interesting to see his efforts on the field in the upcoming CFB season.