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Pat McAfee Takes Issue With Riley Leonard Comment During Ohio State-Notre Dame

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 8:57 PM ET

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard wasted no time making an impact on the College Football Playoff national championship against Ohio State.

On the first possession of the game, Leonard led the Fighting Irish on an 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, which was the longest scoring drive in college football championship game history.

Leonard carried the ball nine times for 34 yards and the eventual one-yard touchdown plunge, showing off his bruising running style in dominant fashion against the Buckeyes' defense.

However, a it was a comment about Leonard's speed rather than his strength that left ESPN host Pat McAfee outraged on his alternate broadcast of the game.

McAfee was joined by his cast from ESPN's daily program, "The Pat McAfee Show" for a live sideline alt-cast experience called "Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show," which aired on ESPN2 during the national title game.

One of his co-hosts, former Indianapolis Colts star Darius Butler, made the comment about the Notre Dame quarterback that caused McAfee to buck.

"Sneaky fast," Butler called Leonard after a scramble on the opening drive.

"Riley Leonard is SNEAKY fast"

What do you mean @DariusJButler #PMSCFPNATTYESPN2 pic.twitter.com/wzvbJlWNxk
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 21, 2025

Before Butler could finish his thought, McAfee and his friends interrupted, asking what Butler meant. He struggled to give a straight answer, referring to Leonard's size and physical build to justify why the quarterback's speed "sneaks up" on him.

Butler may be unconvinced, but after his strong rushing performance on the biggest stage, Leonard's speed will not be taking anybody by surprise in the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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