Prayers for Notre Dame Coach Alford's Family

Notre Dame football coach Tony Alford's younger brother Aaron (photo above) died today of an apparent heart attack.  Aaron, only 39 years of age -- was the Athletic Director at Park City High School (Park City, OK).

If you've met Tony Alford -- you know that he's one of the nicest human beings on this planet.  I am sure Aaron was the same way.  I am so sorry for Tony and his mother.  Please say a prayer tonight -- and the next few days -- for the Alford family.

LINK:  AARON ALFORD

KeiVarae Russell Meets with the Media Today

Notre Dame fans are going to love this young man.  He started all 13 games last season at cornerback -- as a freshman.  He could be one of our all-time best at this position before he leaves school.

LINK:  KEIVARAE RUSSELL

Coach Brian Kelly's Media Session Today

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the assembled media today to talk about his football program...

LINK:  COACH KELLY

A Game With NO SPECTATORS for the IRISH

The Notre Dame Fightin' Irish played in Madrid, Spain yesterday in front of no spectators!  Muffet's crew played the French All-Stars -- in a gym that had triple digit temperatures and zero fans -- and beat them 75 - 67. 

The Irish return home to America tomorrow!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GOES 3-0 IN EUROPE

Joe Montana's Son Nick Playing QB @ Tulane

Nick is the youngest son of former Notre Dame and NFL great Joe Montana -- he's not to be confused with his older brother Nate who was a "walk-on" QB for Notre Dame for a couple of seasons.

Nick has had a circuitous route to Tulane.  He first signed with the University of Washington out of high school where he "red-shirted" his freshman season.  He saw spot duty his second season with the Huskies passing for 226 yards (24 - 42 passing) connecting on 3 TD passes and 2 interceptions in six games.

Nick then transferred to Mt. San Antonio Junior College where he played this past season.  Montana threw for 2,652 yards and 22 TD's last year -- leading the Mounties to a 11-1 season.

Tulane will be his third school -- sound familiar? -- here's a link to a video interview this past week:

The photo above shows Joe Montana and his sons Nate and Nick from a couple of seasons ago...

LINK:  NICK MONTANA

Mike Golic, Jr. Featured in Gillette Promotion!

It's called "Built for Training" and former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic, Jr. '12 is one of three NFL rookies who are featured in this weekly video series sponsored by Gillette at NFL.COM.  Here's a sneak preview:

LINK:  BUILT FOR TRAINING

LINK:  FORBES STORY

Manti Te'o Sidelined with Foot Injury

The story broke last night that Manti injured his foot (they're calling it a sprain) in the Charger's Thursday night's exhibition game.  Te'o was seen at practice yesterday wearing a "boot" on the injured foot.  Here's the media coverage.

LINK:  MANTI INJURY

LINK:  MANTI OUT FOR NEXT GAME

Know Thy Opponent: Temple Coach with Media

Temple head football coach Matt Rhule met with the media after their first scrimmage yesterday.  Here's what Rhule had to say -- along with a journalist's account of the scrimmage:

LINK:  RHULE TALKS TEMPLE

LINK:  FIRST SCRIMMAGE

Justin Tuck Playing a New Position for Giants?

Former Notre Dame defensive end and captain of the New York football Giants -- Justin Tuck, is learning a new position this training camp.  The Giants have switched to a "3-4" defense and with the change came the need to "stand-up" one of the defensive ends.  Justin Tuck looks like that guy.  Here's the story on the potential position switch -- along with news about Justin's back problems:

LINK:  JUSTIN TUCK

LINK:  TUCK INJURY

LINK:  TUCK SITS OUT

Cierre Wood Leads Texans in Rushing!

Former Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood (#41) got a taste of the NFL for the first time last night -- and he led the Houston Texans' in rushing!  Cierre ran for 59 yards on 10 carries -- and he caught one pass for another 14 yards...

LINK:  WOODS HAS GOOD GAME

Cardinals' Michael Floyd Getting Comfortable

Found this story at AZCentral Sports about former Notre Dame All-American Michael Floyd and how he's progressing in his second NFL training camp wit the Cardinals.  Sounds like he's becoming dominating again.

Floyd caught one pass for 18 yards last night in limited playing time in the Cardinals 17 - 0 win over the Packers.  Robby Toma caught his first NFL pass -- for 28 yards!

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD

Jonas Gray Scores His 1st & 2nd NFL TD's

Former Notre Dame running back Jonas Gray scored his first NFL touchdown last night -- and his second -- as he gained 32 yards in the Dolphins exhibition win over the Jaguars.  Jonas leads Miami in total yards rushing after their first two games!

LINK:  VIDEO OF TD RUN

LINK:  PALM BEACH POST STORY

Video From Friday's Practice @ Notre Dame

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media were back at it this afternoon -- capturing video from Notre Dame's first fall practice on campus.  Take a look:

LINK:  ND FOOTBALL PRACTICE

Video of Brady Quinn's TD Pass Last Night

Former Notre Dame All-American QB Brady Quinn threw his first TD pass for the Seattle Seahawks last night in their game against the San Diego Chargers.  Here's a link to the video:

Brady was 6 for 11 totaling 54 yards passing and the TD pass.

LINK:  BRADY QUINN TD PASS

Amir Carlisle Interview After Today's Practice

Notre Dame running back / slot receiver Amir Carlisle -- was interviewed by Fighting Irish Digital Media's Jack Nolan after today's practice.  Here's a link:

LINK:  AMIR CARLISLE

Coach Brian Kelly Meets Media After Practice

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the assembled media after today's morning practice.  It was the first "on-campus" practice for the Fightin' Irish:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY MEDIA SESSION

Mike Golic Jr. Interviewed by Plain Dealer

Former Notre Dame right guard Mike Golic, Jr. '12, is in training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers these days -- yet, it was the folks at the Cleveland Plain Dealer who tracked down Mike for this interview:

LINK:  MIKE GOLIC, JR.

Manti Te'o Plays in First NFL Game Last Night

Well, it started out with the San Diego Charger's PA Announcer mispronouncing his last name when they introduced the starting lineups.  And, based on his output -- no tackles -- his name wasn't heard over the public address system again...

Yet, a San Diego writer found some good out of Manti's performance last night!  Click on the link below:

LINK:  TE'O MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF

Jack Cooley Waits For Call From NBA Teams

Former Notre Dame basketball player Jack Cooley '13, is awaiting his professional basketball fate.

After averaging a "double-double" during summer league play for the Memphis Grizzlies -- Cooley's agent is fielding calls from NBA teams and professional teams in Europe.

One way or the other, he'll be playing professional hoops this fall.  Here's a South Bend Tribune story on what's going on in Cooley's life these days:

LINK:  JACK COOLEY

Theo Riddick Earning Praise at Lions Camp!

Former Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick is turning some heads this week at the Detroit Lions Training Camp.  Here's a story that ran at the LIONS INSIDER:

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK