Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman was praised for not only his performance against Duke, but his actions after the game. Photo Credit: ABC Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman embraces Duke’s Riley Leonard after Saturday’s game. Leonard was injured on Duke’s final offensive play. Photo Credit: ABC
College FootballFeaturedBy Michael Dixon on

Saturday’s game between Notre Dame and Duke produced several lasting images during the game and one incredible image after it, which turned an unfortunate ending into a sign of great sportsmanship.

As they were in the game, Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman and his Blue Devils counterpart, Riley Leonard, were front-and-center.

Leading 14-13 with less than 30 seconds remaining, Notre Dame’s defense made the final big play of the game when Howard Cross strip-sacked Leonard. Marist Liufau recovered the loose ball to seal the Fighting Irish victory.

Unfortunately, Leonard’s ankle got badly twisted as he was being brought down. He stayed down for a long time before eventually getting helped off of the field, putting no weight on his right leg.

Obviously, nobody, regardless of fandom, wanted to see that ending. But it did produce a heartwarming moment.

Hartman made the biggest play of the game, scrambling to pick up a fourth-and-16 to keep Notre Dame alive in the game. That set up Audric Estime’s game-winning touchdown run moments later. Naturally, Hartman was interviewed after the game and in the interview, he expressed concern for Leonard, who was still in the medical tent on the Duke sideline.

After his interview was over, Hartman went over to the medical tent and waited. Leonard eventually made his way out and the two quarterbacks embraced and exchanged a few words. After that, Hartman returned to the Notre Dame locker room.

And much like his in-game performance did, Hartman’s postgame sportsmanship earned him a lot of praise.

[Photo Credit: ABC]

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