Podcast 313: Mastering Pressure, Adversity, and Expectations with Quarterback Riley Leonard

On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed sits down with former Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.

In this episode, Will and Riley dive into Notre Dame’s approach to the 2024/25 season, exploring Riley’s unconventional game preparation, his journey through the transfer portal, and his experience with injury, rehab, and recovery. Riley reflects on how his beliefs have shaped his growth as an athlete and breaks down Notre Dame’s road to the National Championship, including key playoff matchups against Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State, leading up to the title game against Ohio State. Will analyzes Riley’s WHOOP data, highlighting the critical role of sleep consistency in athletic performance. To wrap up, Riley builds the perfect NFL quarterback and shares exclusive insights into his next career steps.

Episode Chapters

00:37 - Notre Dame’s goals for the 24/25 season

02:16 - Staying humble

03:58 - Riley’s transfer from Duke to Notre Dame

04:32 - Injuries, rehab, and recovery

08:55 - How Riley uses his beliefs to grow as an athlete

11:16 - Notre Dame’s road to the National Championship

16:03 - Playoff game #1: Indiana

17:41 - Playoff game #2: Georgia at the Sugar Bowl

18:21 - Handling heightened pressure during the season

19:22 - Playoff game #3: Penn State

21:34 - National Championship: Ohio State

23:31 - Riley’s WHOOP data

28:38 - The importance of sleep consistency as an athlete

31:16 - Riley builds the best NFL quarterback

34:01 - What’s next for Riley?