Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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41 FEBRUARY 2026 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY TODD D. BURLAGE A lready eliminated from playoff con- tention after losing six straight games, the Indianapolis Colts as a team had noth- ing to play for against the Houston Texans in their regular-season finale Jan. 4. But making his first-ever NFL start, rookie Colts quarterback Riley Leonard considered this game one of the biggest of his life, and he delivered. Thrust into action mainly as an evalua- tion opportunity and an audition for next season, the former Notre Dame signal caller played well in a 38-30 loss to the playoff-bound Texans, connecting on 21 of 34 throws for 270 yards with 2 touch- downs, while adding 21 rushing yards on 3 carries and another touchdown. With 1 interception and 2 lost fum- bles, this wasn't a perfect day for the 2025 sixth-round draft pick. But Leon- ard's performance caught the attention of his coaches and provided hope that he will remain with the Colts next season. "I learned that [Leonard] can defi- nitely play in this league for a long time," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said after the game. "The way he prepares, we see it. We've seen it all season. But to go out there and do it against the top de- fense like he did was pretty impressive." For Leonard, his first start helped build confidence, some feelings of be- longing and hope for a long and suc- cessful NFL career. "I definitely felt when I was out there that I can play," Leonard said. "And I felt like I was a little bit in control of my own destiny." Playing in place of 44-year-old vet- eran Philip Rivers — who started and lost the three previous games for the Colts — Leonard, 23, was told early during game week that he was starting against the Texans, and he practiced accordingly. "Having a full week of practice is the biggest thing ever for a young quarter- back, and really for any quarterback," he said. "It's good to get those reps under my belt. I got a lot more to learn, but thank goodness I got the best coaches and the best people around me." Leonard wasted no time making his impact in the game, connecting with wide receiver Alec Pierce for a 66-yard touchdown on his first offensive series. Staying true to his roots and humility, Leonard made a special effort to get the touchdown ball to his father in the stands. "It was fun, what an opportunity," said Leonard, admitting that he didn't play well enough to win the game. "It's something you dream of your entire life. And every snap that I was out there, I had goosebumps just thinking, 'Man, I made it.'" FIVE FORMER IRISH NAMED PRO BOWLERS Highlighted by a first-time selection and an eight- time honoree, Notre Dame is well represented on this year's NFL Pro Bowl rosters. OT Joe Alt (Chargers): Arguably the biggest sur- prise pick on either Pro Bowl roster, Alt played in only six games before being lost for the season with a high-ankle injury. The Chargers went 5-1 in Alt's six starts. PK Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys): The preeminent kicker from distance in NFL history, Aubrey, now a three-time Pro Bowl selection, already has more makes from 60 or more yards (six) than anyone in NFL history. S Kyle Hamilton (Ravens): After finishing second on the Ravens this season with 105 tackles, Ham- ilton became the first Baltimore defensive back to ever make the Pro Bowl three times in his first four NFL seasons. OG Quenton Nelson (Colts): Making a strong case as a future NFL Hall of Fame inductee, Nelson joined former Cleveland Browns great Joe Thomas as the only two offensive linemen to ever make the Pro Bowl in each of their first eight seasons. ST Ben Skowronek (Steelers): The top vote recip- ient among all special teams players, the talented gunner was selected to his first Pro Bowl in his fifth NFL season. Skowronek finished the regular season with 20 tackles on special teams. ✦ FIGHTING IRISH HEADLINERS Alohi Gilman (Played at Notre Dame from 2017-19), S, Baltimore Ravens, NFL The Laie, Hawai'i, native recorded 8 tackles and added 1 pass broken up in a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Jan. 4. For the season — playing five games with the Chargers and 12 with the Ravens — the former sixth-round draft pick recorded 90 tackles, 9 passes broken up, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble. Blake Grupe, (2022), PK, Indianapolis Colts, NFL The former undrafted free agent converted all three of his extra point attempts and all three of his field goal tries in a 38-30 loss to the Houston Texans Jan. 4. In five games with the Colts after being cut by the Saints midseason, the Sedalia, Mo., native made all 11 of his field goals and each of his 10 extra points with In- dianapolis. Tommy Tremble (2018-20), TE, Carolina Panthers, NFL The former third-round draft pick recorded 3 catches on 4 targets for 38 yards and caught his second touchdown pass of the season in a 16-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jan. 3. The Johns Creek, Ga., native finished the regular season with 27 catches for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Riley Leonard Shines In First Career Start I R I S H I N T H E P R O S Leonard completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards with 2 touchdowns and ran for a score in the Indianapolis Colts' 38-30 loss to the Houston Texans Jan. 4. PHOTO COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS COLTS