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.
An unfortunate end to a great game. Notre Dame's Howard Cross strip sacks Duke QB Riley Leonard for a game-clinching fumble.
On his way to the ground, Leonard gets his ankle twisted and is eventually taken off of the field. pic.twitter.com/sqTZ0yNxSg
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 1, 2023
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.
After ND's win, Sam Hartman waited outside of Duke's medical tent to check on and embrace Riley Leonard. pic.twitter.com/m54KUPBPb7
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 1, 2023
And much like his in-game performance did, Hartman’s postgame sportsmanship earned him a lot of praise.
Powerful shot there on ABC — Sam Hartman waiting outside Duke injury tent to check in on Riley Leonard. Sportsmanship epitomized.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 1, 2023
After an emotional, comeback victory, Sam Hartman waits for Riley Leonard outside Duke’s medical tent.
The two QBs embrace after taking part in one of the best games of the college football season.
All class from Hartman.
And hope Leonard is back on the field ASAP. pic.twitter.com/i1ECBmtogH
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) October 1, 2023
Huge respect to Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman waiting outside the Duke medical tent to check on Duke QB Riley Leonard.
— Steve Kirschner (@UNCKirschner) October 1, 2023
Sam Hartman waiting outside of the Medical tent to check on Riley Leonard.
College Football is so special. pic.twitter.com/CDX2XbQq0q— TND (@TNDTweets) October 1, 2023
Instead of celebrating right after the game, Irish quarterback Sam Hartman hangs out outside the Duke medical tent and waits to check in on Duke quarterback Riley Leonard after Leonard was injured in the final minute.
Not sure I’ve ever seen anything like that. Great stuff. pic.twitter.com/2n7Tt5ySAo
— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) October 1, 2023
Blessed to have Sam Hartman.. if only for a season! ☘️☘️ https://t.co/vgyAjDRFLq
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) October 1, 2023
Sam Hartman continues to embody the best of CFB. Irish win a crucial victory to keep their CFP hopes alive and the first thing he does is check in on injured Duke QB Riley Leonard. pic.twitter.com/0zeONDMAJS
— Sidelines Sports Network™ (@Sidelines_SN) October 1, 2023
[Photo Credit: ABC]
