You've probably seen it. Every Saturday during the college football season, the cameras zoom in on Notre Dame’s quarterback, and there it is—a thick, smudged cross of black grease under his left eye. It’s not just a fashion choice or a way to keep the sun out. For Riley Leonard, eye black is basically a mini-billboard for his soul.
He doesn’t just stop at the face, either. Leonard is usually decked out in a collection of wristbands and hand-drawn scriptures that make him look more like a traveling preacher than a Heisman-contending QB. It’s a lot. But in a sport that often feels like a corporate machine, there’s something kind of refreshing about a guy who literally wears his heart (and his faith) on his cheek.
What’s the deal with the cross?
Most players use eye black for the "war paint" aesthetic. They want to look intimidating. They want to look like they’re ready to run through a brick wall. Leonard? He’s going for something else. The single cross under the left eye has become his signature look since his days at Duke, and it followed him right to South Bend.
It’s a simple gesture, but it’s intentional.
Honestly, the eye black is just the tip of the iceberg. If you look closer at his hands and wrists during a game, you’ll see a rotating gallery of ink. He’s been known to write Proverbs 27:17 on his skin—the "iron sharpens iron" verse. It’s a classic athlete favorite, but for Leonard, it’s about the brotherhood in the locker room. He’s obsessed with the idea that he’s only as good as the guys pushing him in practice.
Then there’s the wristband.
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During the 2024-2025 season, particularly during that massive run to the National Championship game, Leonard kept pointing to a specific reference: Matthew 23:12.
For the non-Bible scholars out there, that verse is all about humility. It says that whoever exalts themselves will be humbled, and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted. It’s a wild thing to focus on when you’re the starting quarterback at Notre Dame—a position that usually comes with a massive ego and a Netflix documentary crew.
The Tim Tebow comparison (and why it’s different)
People love to compare Leonard to Tim Tebow. It’s easy to see why. Both are dual-threat quarterbacks who aren't afraid to get hit. Both are very, very vocal about their Christianity.
But there’s a key difference in how they handle the "eye black" real estate.
Tebow famously wrote John 3:16 in his eye black during the 2009 BCS National Championship, causing 90 million people to Google the verse. It was a massive, culture-shifting moment. However, the NFL eventually passed the "Tebow Rule," which banned players from putting messages or symbols in their eye black.
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Leonard is playing in a different era. While the NCAA is generally more relaxed about these things than the pros, Leonard’s "message" is often more subtle. He’s not always writing out the verse numbers; he’s using the cross as a symbol and letting the wristbands do the heavy lifting for the specifics.
It’s not just for the cameras
A lot of skeptics on Reddit or X (formerly Twitter) like to claim this is all just branding. They say, "He’s at Notre Dame, of course he’s going to act religious."
But if you talk to the people who knew him back in Fairhope, Alabama, they’ll tell you he’s been this way since high school. This isn't some NIL-funded persona. His mom actually used to text him before every game at Duke telling him "Don't suck," which went viral because it was so grounded and hilarious.
Leonard has been open about the fact that he wasn't always this "locked in" with his faith. He didn't even start going to church regularly until the 9th grade. He admits that when he first became a star athlete in high school, the "high" of winning only lasted about a week before he felt empty again. That’s what led him to the Bible studies and the eye black.
He’s even helped grow the Notre Dame team Bible study from five guys to over 40. That's nearly half the roster.
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The "Iron Sharpens Iron" Philosophy
When Leonard wears that eye black, he’s reminding himself of a few specific things:
- Pressure is a privilege: He’s talked about how he used to spiral when things went bad on the field. Now, he uses the verses to stay level-headed.
- The "Man in the Arena": He’s a big fan of the Teddy Roosevelt quote. He’s okay with failing as long as he’s "daring greatly."
- Identity beyond the jersey: He’s famously said that when he goes to bed, he doesn't think about his touchdown-to-interception ratio. He thinks about whether he was a good son and a good person.
It’s easy to be cynical about college athletes. We see the transfer portal drama, the massive NIL deals, and the constant self-promotion. But with Leonard, the eye black feels like a tether. It’s a way to keep himself grounded when 80,000 people are screaming his name.
Why it matters for fans
If you're a fan trying to emulate the look, it's pretty simple. Most players use a standard eye black stick or "no-glare" stickers. Leonard usually goes with the traditional grease because it allows him to smudge it into that specific cross shape.
But beyond the makeup, the takeaway for most people watching Riley Leonard isn't about the specific brand of grease he uses. It’s about the conviction. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something objectively cool about seeing a high-level performer who knows exactly who they are before they even take the first snap.
Actionable Insights for Athletes and Fans
If you're looking to bring some of that Leonard-style intentionality to your own game or life, here’s how to do it:
- Find your "Why": Leonard uses the cross. What’s your symbol? It doesn't have to be religious. It just needs to be something that reminds you of your purpose when things get chaotic.
- Focus on the Process, Not the Praise: Use the Matthew 23:12 mindset. If you stay humble and work hard, the "exaltation" (the wins, the trophies) will take care of itself.
- Build a Circle: Leonard’s "iron sharpens iron" approach works because he surrounds himself with people who hold him accountable. Don't try to be a lone wolf.
- Keep Perspective: Remember Leonard’s "pre-sleep" checklist. Ask yourself at the end of the day: Did I treat people well? Did I grow as a person? The "score" of your day-to-day life is more than just your professional output.
Riley Leonard’s eye black might just look like some black smudge on a TV screen, but it’s a window into how one of the most pressured athletes in the country keeps his head on straight.