Congratulations, Molly and Riley! What a joyous milestone this announcement marks. Hearing the news that Riley Leonard, the remarkable former Notre Dame quarterback who now brings his talent to the Indianapolis Colts, and his incredible partner Molly have chosen to take this next big step fills my heart with nothing but warm wishes, excitement, and admiration for both of you as you embark on this new chapter together.
From the earliest days of Riley’s career, whether dazzling crowds in South Bend or showcasing his skill on the Colts’ roster, fans have admired his grit, inspiring work ethic, and leadership on and off the field. What many might not have realized at the time, though, is that behind every remarkable athlete stands a partner whose unwavering support, encouragement, and love help shape their journey. And so, today, this announcement isn’t just a celebration of Riley’s accomplishments and the milestone engagement—it’s equally a celebration of Molly: her grace, her compassion, her strength, and the unity the two of you share.
Your love story is one that offers hope and inspiration. Families and friends see in it what makes a partnership truly special: the commitment to grow together, to support one another through both triumphs and challenges, to laugh together in quiet moments, and to hold each other close even when the world feels overwhelming. For young people everywhere, your engagement is a vivid reminder that real, steadfast love still exists, even in our busy, fast-paced world.
Of course, in the lead-up to this wonderful moment, I imagine there were countless touchstones of your journey together. The late nights, the road trips, the game days, the hilarity over shared inside jokes, the deep conversations, the shopping trips where neither one of you could agree on what color looked best, the celebratory dinners after big wins, and the comforting silence during times of tension or doubt—all of those moments wove a story of two people learning each other’s rhythms and beating in sync.
People often talk about “finding your person,” and discovering a connection so deep that you know, without a doubt, you want to spend your life with them. If Riley and Molly, your story is the embodiment of that idea. You’ve found someone who sees you fully—your strengths, your imperfections, your hopes, your fears—and chooses to stand beside you in every season. That kind of love is rare and beautiful, and even rarer to find in both partners. You have it, and that’s something to treasure forever.
Molly—words hardly seem sufficient to capture the admiration one feels for you. Your warmth, your empathy, your joy in Riley’s successes (and your quiet strength in his moments of pressure or reflection) speak volumes about the heart that beats within you. You’ve been Riley’s anchor, his confidant, his best friend…and now, in marriage, you’ll also be his partner in every sense of the word, a co-conspirator in laughter and in planning, cheering from the sidelines as he takes on new challenges, and building a life together grounded in love and mutual respect.
And Riley: what a journey it’s been. From dazzling fans at Notre Dame to taking your passion, your skill, and your leadership to the NFL, your path has been filled with memorable moments—a sense of purpose, the pressure of performance, the exhilaration of victory, the camaraderie of teammates, and the love of fans who have followed your career since day one. Yet through it all, what stands out most is how you have carried yourself as a man of character, humility, and integrity. To see you now looking forward to a future with Molly by your side makes the celebration all the more profound.
Your forthcoming wedding, whenever and wherever you choose to celebrate, promises to be an expression of these values—warmth, authenticity, and joy in togetherness. I can imagine families gathering with laughter and stories, old friends reconnecting, tears of happiness, children chasing each other in sparkling dresses and suits, and moments of quiet connection between the two of you as you promise to spend your lives together, forever. That image is both deeply touching and filled with undeniable hope.
Over the next weeks, months, and years, I know there will be exhilarating, transformative moments: planning a home, selecting dinnerware, scheduling your first dance lessons, maybe adopting a pet or two, traveling to places that have been on your bucket list, hosting family gatherings in your backyard, discovering new parts of yourselves as individuals and as a couple, evolving through changes in career, family, and maybe even parenthood. Whatever comes your way, know that the foundation of your love is strong, and each day you’ll build on it—a mosaic made of ordinary routines, extraordinary adventures, heartfelt conversations, spills of laughter, quiet affirmations, and moments of awe at how blessed you feel to share your life.
Engagement is a promise of things to come: of shared dreams, evolving identities, and a commitment to journey together through whatever the world brings. It’s assembly of hopes—plans for a wedding day, yes, but also pledges for a lifetime of support, a willingness to listen deeply, an intention to choose each other in small and large ways, and to nurture your bond with patience, kindness, and truthful communication.
To both of you, here are a few well-wishes and reflections as you begin this wonderful odyssey:
**Cherish the ordinary moments.** In a life filled with highlights—game days, career milestones, celebratory events—don’t forget that ordinary mornings with steaming coffee, lazy Sundays in pajamas, quick trips to the grocery store, and bedtime whispers are the threads that create a deep, abiding intimacy.
**Maintain your curiosity about each other.** People change over time. Ask questions, explore new interests together, learn what gives each of you joy, humor, peace. Celebrate even the small discoveries—like a newfound love for a cooking style, a hidden skill, or a favorite movie genre.
**Speak with kindness, especially when times are tough.** Disagreements are normal and healthy, but how you speak to each other when tensions run high defines the lasting strength of your connection. Lean into the love beneath the frustration and remember that both of you want the same thing—solving the problem and staying connected.
**Celebrate career growth with humility and pride.** Riley’s stepping into each season of his athletic career with renewed purpose, and what a blessing it is to walk that path with someone who supports you fiercely. For Molly, you bring your own unique brilliance that deserves to be nurtured and celebrated. Encourage each other’s ambitions and be the kind of partner who listens, encourages, and helps create space when needed.
**Keep having fun.** It’s easy to get caught up in life’s responsibilities, but keep carving out time for silliness, romantic gestures, inside jokes, spontaneous dancing in the living room, themed date nights, and more. Those moments are the secret sauce of joyful marriage.
**Surround yourselves with strong community.** Family and friends come together for the wedding, and surely beyond, to bolster you through seasons of joy and challenge. Remember to lean into them when you need advice, celebration, or a shoulder to cry on.
**Document the journey.** Whether through pictures, letters, spreadsheets of furniture, playlists that define your mood, journals of your silver-linings, or memory boxes—you’ll one day leaf back through the years with a smile. These artifacts are powerful reminders of who you were at each stage and how much you’ve grown together.
**Embrace perspectives.** The world shifts quickly—your values, beliefs, and dreams can shift with it. Approach the next decades with openness and a willingness to grow as individuals and as a couple, even through discomfort. With love as your anchor, growth is exciting, not scary.
**Believe in the resilience of love rooted in respect.** You’ll handle whatever life sends your way—injury, changes in fame and status, family dynamics, relocations, maybe even the highs and lows of being public figures. Through each twist and turn, let respect be your guide. Respect for each other’s heart, boundaries, choices, and humanity.
It’s said that love is not just a feeling—it’s a series of small loving acts strung together, and Riley and Molly, your engagement is already the greatest loving act of all: saying “Yes” to a future together, in all its unknown beauty. Beyond that, it’s a public affirmation—a moment of shared vulnerability, hope, and joy that you’ve invited the world into.
I want to take a moment to think of your families. Behind every great couple stand those who raised you. To Riley’s parents: your encouragement, values, and belief in Riley helped shape him into the compassionate, driven man who stands today, ready for lifelong partnership. To Molly’s parents: thank you for nurturing her heart, curiosity, and kindness—qualities that have become the foundation of this profound union.
Though life may come at you fast—flashes of spotlight, interviews, road games, travel, team meetings, and everything in between—you both are carving out a deep space for love. You’re doing big things and you’re doing them together. That unity, that unshakeable partnership, is what transforms every challenge into an opportunity, every success into a celebration shared by two hearts that know the immeasurable value of the other.
As the wedding plans progress, as the guest list forms, as the vows take shape, as the playlist builds and the first dance is chosen—know that every choice, every detail, every moment, is a reflection of who you are. It’s a celebration of the love that has brought you to this day and the commitment that will carry you beyond. Your day will be more than flowers, music, and rings—it will be a tapestry of your shared story told to the world, an outward expression of the inward bond you share.
To the team you’re building, whether that’s a family of two or many more one day, here’s to the power of love and teamwork—just like that found on the gridiron. The best offensive line in memory or the most unexpected touchdown can’t compare to the beautiful partnership you two have built. This is the teamwork that lasts beyond fourth-quarter comebacks, the checkpoint flags that matter most.
Molly, you’re gaining a partner who will stand with you, support you, and prioritize your happiness in all the ways that matter most. Riley, you’re gaining a love that will lift you, calm you, empower you, and always believe in you as much as—or perhaps even more than—you believe in yourself. Together, you two form something both powerful and tender, resilient and open-hearted.
So go ahead, celebrate wildly. Let the balloons fill the air. Clink the glasses. Send the announcement across NC2A networks and Colts fan communities. Post that gorgeous photo announcing your engagement and watch as love from family, friends, and fans lights up your feed. Bask in the cheers and affection—you deserve them all.
And when the social media comments and the congratulations letters eventually give way to the everyday rhythms of life, may you remember this: you are beloved. You are chosen. You are the answer to each other’s prayers. There’s a peace in knowing that someone has picked you—only you—and plans to stay, through every burst of brilliance and every quiet moment between. That peace is the foundation upon which great love, and great marriages, are built.
To Molly and Riley: may your engagement be just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. May your days be filled with laughter, your nights with deep connection, your years with growth, your challenges with resilience, and your victories with grace. May you always find new reasons to fall in love—with each other and with the life you’re creating. May you nurture each other’s dreams, chase new dreams side by side, and build a love story that inspires the world as much as it inspires each other.
Here’s to love, to commitment, to joyous beginnings, and to a future so bright it’s hard to look away. Congratulations again, Molly and Riley—it is impossible not to be thrilled for you, in awe of you, and hopeful for what comes next. Your journey together is just beginning, and what a magnificent journey it will be.
