2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Riley MacLeod, LB, Western University

• Name: Riley MacLeod
• Position: LB
• College: Western University
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 225
• Instagram: riley_mac4

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

My football IQ is probably the best attribute of my game. My ability to watch the film and apply it to game situations allows me to make plays and pre-snap checks for the defense I’m playing in. I have a strong sense of discipline and know what I need to do to better myself and the team. This allows me to stay committed to the game and work harder than anyone else out there.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I’m a guy who will always do what’s best for the team and will always give my best effort no matter what role or position I’m in.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be to Wounded Warriors Canada.

Who was your role model?

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Buffalo Bills.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate at Western would be Jacob Saunders in my opinion. He has stepped up at big times for us and is someone that you can always trust to have out there on the field with you.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People not cleaning up after themselves.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My grade 12 religion teacher, Mrs. Collalilo.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

In the first term of my second year of University, I received a mark of 4% on a midterm in one of my classes. This was my first year in all in-person classes while having a full football schedule again after the pandemic. On top of this mark, I hadn’t been doing great in my classes that semester and already had doubts about whether I could get through my degree and graduate. I remember walking home after I received my mark with the only thought of failing out of school on my mind and having to call my mom and tell her how I had screwed up. As I kept thinking I told myself that I could still do well, I just needed to work harder. Having gone through that and reminding myself to keep working hard, I was able to make the dean’s honors list this past school year and become an academic all-Canadian.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

I would have an East Side Mario’s in my house, with lots of variety, and great portion sizes.

What is your favorite snack food?

Frozen mangoes

What is your degree in?

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger –  Arnold Schwarzenegger has done many things through athletics, entertainment, and politics. It would be very interesting to pick his brain about how he handled everything and how he was able to juggle and spend time on so many interests. He also seems to have a very positive outlook on life so I would like to talk to him about that as well.

2. Wayne Gretzky – I grew up playing and loving the game of hockey. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest to have ever played winning multiple championships and personal accolades. I would like to talk to him about how he sustained greatness for so long and in different environments. I have also listened to a few podcasts with Wayne Gretzky as a guest in which I got the sense that he is a very genuine person and his love for the game seems infectious so it would be great to hear some of his stories.

3. Jack Carr – Jack Carr is my favorite author. He is a former Navy Seal who has transitioned to writing after retiring from the Navy. I think it would be interesting to sit down with him and ask about lessons he learned through his time in the military as well as how he has been transitioning through different careers and stages of life. It would also be interesting to ask questions about his writing process and certain aspects of his books.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness on the football field would be my pass coverage abilities. this is something I try to address and work on through every offseason and the season. My biggest weakness in life in general is that I say yes to too many things. I try to commit to too many things and please everyone that I end up spreading myself too thin and take away from my well-being and goals.