That was the reality for Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard on Thursday night, as he was fortunate enough to snag a seat – or opportunity to pick brains — at the annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series event at the California Theater in San Jose. There, notorious 49ers signal-callers Brock Purdy, Steve Young, Jeff Garcia and Alex Smith dished out wisdom.
Leonard, 21, enters his first and presumably last season with the Fighting Irish after transferring from Duke after three seasons. There, he recorded 382 completions, 4,450 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and healthy 2025 NFL Draft aspirations.
Each San Francisco icon had different offerings for the eager-to-learn Leonard, collectively being great teachers. In order, here’s how Smith, Garcia, Young and Purdy empowered their fellow quarterback.
Smith, a retired 16-year NFL veteran, spent eight seasons with San Francisco after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2005 draft.
He offered Leonard sound advice about enjoying the highs and lows of being an athlete.
