‘No place I’d rather be:’ Riley Leonard excited to learn, compete in Colts’ QB room

Home isn’t just about the location, though. It’s about the people – and Leonard’s got his people.

He’s already built up a relationship with head coach Shane Steichen, who made the trip up to South Bend for Notre Dame’s Pro Day. He’s friendly with Daniel Jones; the two both attended Duke (Leonard from 2021-23, Jones from 2015-18) and went out to eat together a few weeks before the draft when Jones traveled to Alabama to train with David Morris, who Leonard also trains with.

Not even 30 minutes after being drafted, Leonard had already received a phone call from Jones – and a text from Anthony Richardson.

But perhaps the best connection Leonard has to the Colts is Philip Rivers. The two are both from Fairhope, Ala., where Rivers – who played for the Colts in 2020 – currently coaches the St. Michael Catholic High School football team, and Leonard is constantly trying to learn whatever he can from the 17-year veteran quarterback. So, when Leonard went to throw with Rivers in his a few days before the draft, it was an exercise in relaxation and education all at once.

“I think probably the biggest thing that I learned was just how intentional he is about every little thing,” Leonard said. “Like, if we’re doing the warmup and we’re taking five step drops, those five step drops have to be pristine in order for them to be good enough for him.”

Leonard’s connection with Rivers went both ways, thereby leading to the Colts taking an interest in the young quarterback back when he was still playing for Duke. Four years later, it appears both parties know what they’re going to get from the other.

“I think a couple things that they enjoyed was, number one, my ability to extend plays and make plays as a playmaker,” Leonard said when asked about what the Colts told him they liked about his game. “I think they liked my preparation and the way that I handle things off the field. I think the intangibles are…