SPORTS

Quarterback Riley Leonard Braves Cold for Big Playoff Game

South Bend, USASat Dec 21 2024
The first-round playoff game between Notre Dame and Indiana is set to be a chilly one. With temperatures dropping to -5 degrees Celsius, it's going to be a cold day for football. However, Notre Dame's quarterback, Riley Leonard, isn't worried about the weather. He and his teammates were spotted during a pregame walk-through without gloves, inspired by a famous shirtless practice in the snow by the Seattle Seahawks. Leonard, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 216 pounds, isn't just toughing it out for show. He's preparing for a big game against Indiana, who has one of the toughest run defenses in college football. Leonard has been a star this season, with over 1, 900 passing yards and 650 rushing yards. He's a dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays and keep defenses guessing. His coach, Marcus Freeman, has been credited with helping the team bounce back from an early season loss. That loss helped the team build resilience and fueled their climb back into the playoff picture. Now, they're ready to face the cold and the Hoosiers.

questions

    Does the cold-weather practice have any psychological effects on the team and their opponents?
    How does the Notre Dame coaching staff ensure player safety during cold-weather practices and games?
    Is Riley Leonard secretly part polar bear, ditching the gloves for a chillier practice?

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