Fans react as Riley Leonard hits Alec Pierce 66 yards to score 1st NFL TD

Riley Leonard got his first start of the season for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. It didn’t take long for the rookie quarterback to throw his first touchdown for the franchise, as he connected with Alec Pierce for a 66-yard score early in the first quarter.

When fans on social media spotted Leonard’s TD pass to Pierce, they praised the young QB.

“They chose Rivers over this guy,” one tweeted.

“Already better than Anthony Richardson”, another added.

“66 yards on the first TD? Leonard comes in hot…is this the spark Indy needed?” a third commented.

Here are some more reactions.

“You all could have been going through this for the last few weeks, but you all freaked out and wanted to sign Rivers!” we wrote.

“Put it in the hall” another added.

“If the Colts didn’t let up in previous games and were this enthusiastic, they would be leading the league,” he added. a user tweeted.

The Colts entered Week 18 having been eliminated from the playoffs. They are on a six-game losing streak, after veteran Philip Rivers led their offense over the past three games.

Still, Leonard will want to lead Indy to a victory in his first NFL start.

The Colts trail the Texans 20-10 with 8:32 left in the second quarter. Houston has already qualified for the playoffs, but could win the AFC South if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans in their Week 18 matchup.

Riley Leonard signed a four-year, $4.345 million rookie contract with the Colts.

The Colts took Riley Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The QB signed a four-year, $4.435 million rookie contract with Indy.

Leonard began his college career at Duke in 2021. He spent three seasons with the Blue Devils before transferring to Notre Dame for the 2024 season.

Leonard led the Fighting Irish to the national title game in his final collegiate season, but lost to Ohio State at the final hurdle.