Riley Leonard was able to return from concussion protocol during Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between Notre Dame and Penn State. How? Good question!
The Fighting Irish quarterback got crushed right before halftime that left him visibly dazed.
At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Leonard is not a small guy. He is a dual-threat signal-caller who often out-plays his arm with his legs. He is no stranger to big hits.
However, the back of Leonard’s head bounced off of the turf during a collision with 305-pound defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas. The Big 12 officiating crew forcibly removed him from the college football game after the play because he was wobbly and unaware of his surroundings upon return to his feet. It seemed as though he walked over to the wrong sideline.
Riley Leonard went into the medical tent for a possible head injury after taking this hit late in the second quarter.
— ESPN (@espn) January 10, 2025
Leonard was replaced by backup QB Steve Angeli. pic.twitter.com/PAd4UtuNe3
Leonard was replaced by backup quarterback Steve Angeli with 90 seconds remaining in the second quarter and it was unclear as to whether the medical staff was going to allow him to play in the second half. He shook his head as he emerged from the injury tent, which seemed to indicate bad news.
Riley Leonard finally out of the medical tent as the half ended.
— Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) January 10, 2025
He has his helmet but appeared to shake his head while jogging off. pic.twitter.com/UTAQUQ21bV
Even though it initially appeared that Leonard was done for the day, Notre Dame received the ball to open the third quarter and its starting quarterback was on the field as if the slobberknocker never happened. The 22-year-old managed to clear concussion protocol in the locker room during the break.
Riley Leonard stayed in the game!
When asked about what happened during his postgame interview with ESPN, Riley Leonard did not provide clarity on the process. In fact, his answer made it seem like concussion protocol is no big deal.
Yeah, I knew I was going to get back out there. You know, obviously, safety first on the football field but I just kinda had to prove to everybody that I was fine. I got up a little wobbly but, you know, it was all good!
— Riley Leonard
Leonard later clarified that he proved his ability to play through brain cognition tests.
"I was very aware of how I felt, I just had to prove that through our brain cognition tests… there wasn't a worry at all."
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 10, 2025
– Riley Leonard on his 1st-half injury pic.twitter.com/pCTttUtxjX
Neither head coach Marcus Freeman, the athletic training staff, nor the university gave any additional information on the concussion protocol. It is unclear as to what Leonard had to prove or how.