Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard always has made his faith a focal point in everything he does. Moments after the Irish fell to Ohio State 34-23 in the College Football Playoff national championship, the Fairhope, Alabama, native made the most of his platform, and his comments went viral.

Leonard wore and often pointed out his wristband with “Matthew 23:12” on it. “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted,” the Bible verse says. Irish fans knew about this, and the College Football Playoff title game against Ohio State afforded the rest of the country to know about it.

Notre Dame suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Ohio State on Monday night, with quarterback Riley Leonard's inspired second-half fightback coming to nothing as Ohio State won the National Championship

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard struck first Monday night to lead the Irish to a 7-0 lead against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Leonard, the Fairhope, Ala., native, carried the ball nine times for for 34 yards, ending with a 1-yard run with 9:45 left in the half.

Following Notre Dame’s 18-play opening drive to kickoff the College Football Playoff National Championship against Ohio State, quarterback Riley Leonard had a strong message to those watching at home.