After leading the Blue Devils to an impressive 9-4 mark last season, Duke’s talented quarterback Riley Leonard has one very important person in life making sure his ego is always kept in check.
In order to avoid getting too over confident with the praise and accolades, Leonard has his mother Heather do her part to keep him motivated. Leonard’s mom texts the junior quarterback “you suck” before every game and he wears a bracelet with those exact words as a reminder that he needs to keep striving to reach new heights.
In 2022, Duke enjoyed the program’s best record in nearly a decade, thanks mainly to Leonard's dual-threat talents. The junior signal-caller threw for 2,967 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, while adding 699 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard’s mom texts him saying “you suck” before every game and he wears a wristband with those words
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 5, 2023
He says everyone is praising him so his ego needs to be kept in check pic.twitter.com/LrqaYnCy58
It's not uncommon for rival fans to taunt opposing players, but certainly it is strange to hear that a player’s mother is the one at the center of the insults.
Upon hearing the odd text exchange between mother and son, college football fans had an absolute field day on social media.
I’ve heard of some weird pregame traditions, but this might be the most bizarre. https://t.co/mhg1L7TO7R
— Scott Braswell (@ScottBraswell92) September 5, 2023
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard requests that his mother sends him a text saying "You Suck" before every game.
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 5, 2023
She does. And the same message is on his wristband. pic.twitter.com/qBUigNilAa
Duke QB Riley Leonard wears a wristband and also receives a text from his mom before every game saying 'You Suck' to 'keep his ego in check' 😅 pic.twitter.com/fVBpWZPX5O
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 5, 2023
Wow I had no idea Riley Leonard's mom had so many burner accounts in my mentions all weekend pic.twitter.com/Z5X1YrVCJb
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 5, 2023
If Riley Leonard needs help with keeping his ego in check my advice is to give out a losing pick or take on social media and let the trolls go to work😂 pic.twitter.com/VQ8l5WRLBj
— Jared Smith (@jaredleesmith) September 5, 2023
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard’s mom to him before the game with Clemson. pic.twitter.com/5tZLkTXDYR
— At The Buzzer (@AtTheBuzzer1) September 5, 2023
