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Duke QB Riley Leonard shares bizarre motivation method from his mom

By Michael Collins

Sep 9, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) looks on during the pre game against the Lafayette Leopards at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) looks on during the pre game against the Lafayette Leopards at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has the Blue Devils and their fans in the national spotlight, and on College GameDay, he shared the unique way he gets motivation from his mom.

When you’re the starting quarterback in a Division 1 football program, even one that isn’t known as a powerhouse, you’re under a lot of pressure to perform. Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has felt that kind of pressure since high school.

ESPN College GameDay is on the Duke campus for the first time ever in preparation for the Blue Devils’ game against Notre Dame, and Riley Leonard was the focus of a great segment.

As a blue-chip athlete in both football and basketball, Leonard had a lot expected of him and as his mother explained on College GameDay this morning, he played with an edge and with a chip on his shoulder.

So how does a guy with all this pressure and all the expectations deal with it and not let it go to his head? Riley Leonard turned to his parents for help.

“I need someone to tell me I suck sometimes”, Leonard told his parents.

His mom was more than happy to oblige, and now she regularly makes sure her son knows how much she loves him…and how much he sucks.

In an age where student-athletes crave the spotlight, the NIL deals, and all the glamour that comes with being in this position, it’s refreshing to see a player like Leonard who wants to keep himself grounded, even if it is in a rather unconventional way.

Before every game, every appearance or interview, anything Riley is doing, his mom will text him with some variation of the “You suck” message.

Some of the texts shared on-screen were absolutely hilarious, but none more than the text that came over in the middle of Leonard’s interview for the segment.

“You suck at interviews. Don’t humiliate us on national TV. Love you”

If that’s not taking motherly love to a new level, we’re not sure what is.

So to Riley Leonard and all the Duke Blue Devils, keep on sucking! You’re doing great.

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