Ever Walk Into a Room and Forget Why?

Well, Notre Dame psychology professor Gabriel Radvansky has researched why this happens...

This story has gotten plenty of play over the past six months or so -- unfortunately, "I forgot" to bring it to the attention of the readers of the ND GO IRISH BLOG.  Here you go:

LINK:  WHY YOU FORGET!

Coach Brian Kelly Ranked Among the Best!

Athlon Sports just came out with their ranking of the top-25 head football coaches in college football.  I won't spoil it where Notre Dame's Brian Kelly is ranked -- click on the link below:

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- ONE OF THE BEST!

Another AD Named White from Notre Dame

Danny White a 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and former IRISH student-athlete was named the Athletic Director today at the University at Buffalo.  White, leaves Ole Miss where he was their Chief Fundraiser. 

Danny's Dad -- Kevin White, was Director of Athletics at the University of Notre Dame before moving on to lead the athletic department at Duke University.

Here's a link to the media coverage:

LINK:  WGRZ TV BUFFALO

LINK:  CLARION LEDGER

"The Most Improved Pitcher in Baseball..."

This is the label being placed on one Jeff Samardzija -- the former Notre Dame football All-American -- who's now on a roll as a starter with the Chicago Cubs. 

In his last 23 innings Jeff has an ERA of 0.84 with 23 strikeouts and only 6 walks.  He's now 4 - 1 on the season!

WAY TO GO SHARK!

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES STORY

LINK:  CHICAGO NOW STORY

Harrison & RJ's First Day in the NFL!

Former Notre Dame teammates Harrison Smith and RJ Blanton have begun their NFL journeys with the Minnesota Vikings -- or as Harrison put it "NOTRE DAME NORTH."  Found this video and story about these Irish stars -- ENJOY!

LINK:  VIDEO -- HARRISON'S FIRST DAY

LINK:  MINNESOTA VIKINGS BLOG

Notre Dame's Football Shoes for Ireland Game

Looks like the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will be wearing the colors of IRELAND on their feet for their September 1, 2012 game in Dublin against Navy.  What do you think?

Makes you wonder what's in store for Notre Dame's game jersey and helmet for this game...

Notre Dame Lacrosse a #4 NCAA Seed!

The 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship tournament field was announced this evening and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame were given a #4 seed earning a match-up with Yale next Saturday @ 5:15 PM ET -- here at Arlotta Stadium. 

Here's a link to the ESPN story and list of the sixteen schools that received the invitation!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME A #4 SEED

A Good-Bye Note From Aaron Lynch's Mom

Thought Notre Dame fans should see this post made by Alice Lynch today -- the mother of Aaron Lynch, the former Irish student-athlete who will be transferring to the University of South Florida.  Here's what she had to say:

This time tomorrow I will be picking up Aaron from Notre Dame and yes it's going to be definitely hard for me. Me and my family have met so many wonderful people and have had so many great times. I will cherish the memories for sure. The Notre Dame family will always be apart of us. Thank you to all the Coaches, players and fans for all the love that you guys have shown my son and family. You guys will forever be in my heart. Even though I won't be there in the stands cheering you guys on, I will always be cheering for you guys from a distance. I am so proud of all of you and Momma Lynch will miss you all. Stay focused in school and kick some *** on that football field. Go Irish!!!!! —

Kelly Needs to get a Gold Helmet on Giesting!

Notre Dame freshman track standout -- Chris Giesting (Batesville, IN) won the 200 Meters (21.15) and 400 Meters (46.03) today at the Big East Track & Field Championship -- earning "MOST OUTSTANDING PERFORMER" honors.  Giesting's coming off of a National Championship in a relay at the 2012 NCAA Indoor Men's Track & Field Championships -- not a bad start to a college career!

Notre Dame football player Josh Atkinson, took fifth in the 200 Meters with a time of 21.52

I looked up Giesting's bio on the Notre Dame Athletics site and noted he did not play football in high school -- but, he was a decent point guard in basketball -- so he must have some hands!

Maybe Coach Kelly can get him to walk on to the Irish football team!

LINK:  BIG EAST TRACK & FIELD RESULTS

Josh Atkinson Runs a 10.388 100 Meters!

And, they say Notre Dame doesn't have any speed...

In the last 24 hours -- two Notre Dame football players who share the same birthday and last name -- ran a 10.36 and a 10.388 in the 100 Meters at the Big East Track & Field Championships.  That is fast!

Just a couple of minutes ago, Josh Atkinson ran a 10.388 in the 100 Meter Finals to place 4th at the Big East Championships.  Twin brother George, who ran a 10.36 on Saturday -- had a lousy start and finished in 5th place with a time of 10.46 -- see final times below.

HAS THERE EVER BEEN A FASTER SET OF TWINS IN AMERICAN TRACK HISTORY?

The Irish Men's & Women's Track & Field teams were both in first place -- after the 100 Meters.

GO IRISH!

LINK:  LIVE WEBCAST OF CHAMPIONSHIPS

LINK:  RESULTS -- 100 METER MEN'S FINAL

Life After Football -- Duerson's Brain Injuries

Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy released information this week on their findings of their study of Dave Duerson's brain.  IRISH fans will remember the former Notre Dame All-American took his own life a year ago February -- leaving behind a note requesting his brain be sent to the NFL Brain Bank.

Here's a link to the press conference -- along to a link to a recent interview former Duerson teammate Jim McMahon gave to ESPN concerning the troubles he's having...

LINK:  DAVE DUERSON'S BRAIN INJURIES

LINK:  JIM MCMAHON -- ESPN INTERVIEW

Best Looking Uniform in College Baseball!

The Notre Dame pinstripe baseball uniform is a classic.

Here's a photo of former Notre Dame football All-American Golden Tate in the pinstripes and "GOLD HELMET."  

I believe the gold helmet is not in use this season -- we need to bring it back!

George Atkinson III Runs 10.36 100 Meters!

The 2012 Big East Outdoor Track & Field Championships are this weekend in Tampa, FL -- and the Atkinson twins are doing just fine! 

Notre Dame freshman football star George Atkinson III ran his fastest 100 Meters of the season in yesterday's Semi-Finals going 10.36.  George's time is the 2nd fastest going into this afternoon's finals. 

Twin brother Josh ran a 10.50 which is the 7th fastest -- also qualifying him for today's championship heat.  Josh also qualified for today's 200 Meter Final with a 21.20 -- which is seventh fastest and just behind Irish teammate Patrick Feeney who went 21.19.

Here's a link to the LIVE RESULTS feed from the Championship -- along with a LIVE BROADCAST feed from Sunday's finals -- here's the schedule:

• 100 Meter Finals:  12:30 PM ET
• 200 Meter Finals:  1:15 PM ET

LINK:  LIVE BROADCAST -- WATCH THE RACES LIVE

LINK:  LIVE RESULTS FROM BIG EAST TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Notre Dame Alum & "Remember The Titans"

Virginia's Governor, Bob McDonnell (Notre Dame Class of 1976) -- was in the news this week with talk that he might be the VP pick for Mitt Romney in his run for the Presidency.  While that alone is a story worthy of the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- what caught my attention about Governor McDonnell was this little ditty:

McDonnell, a Catholic, played football in high school and even boasts of scoring his school's lone touchdown against the legendary 1971 T.C. Williams Titans featured in the film "Remember the Titans."

Here's the story:

LINK:  McDONNELL A VP CANDIDATE

Domer Makes Starting Debut for Yankees!

Former Notre Dame pitcher, David Phelps '08, made his major league "starting" debut last night for the New York Yankees in a game against the Kansas City Royals.  Phelps, who grew up nearby in the St. Louis, MO suburbs -- pitched four innings giving up 2 runs on six hits -- while striking out five.

His start was overshadowed by the news that Mariano Rivera -- probably the greatest relief pitcher of all time -- tore an ACL while jogging in the outfield before the game's start.  This might be a career ending injury -- see below.  Sad.

LINK:  PHELPS DEBUT

LINK:  BOX SCORE

LINK:  PHELPS THRILLED TO BE MAKING FIRST START

LINK:  LATEST ON RIVERA INJURY

Just Passed the 350,000 Unique Visitor Mark!

At approximately 11:31 PM ET last night -- a Notre Dame fan from Wayne, Pennsylvania became unique visitor number 350,000 at the ND GO IRISH BLOG!

As I like to do when the blog reaches a milestone visitor number -- I'll compare the size of this community to others around the country.  So, with an online community of 350,079 -- the ND GO IRISH BLOG would be the 52nd largest city in AMERICA!

Arlington, Texas is the 51st largest city in the U.S. with a population of 365,438 and Wichita is the 50th largest at 382,368 citizens.

Thanks for making the ND GO IRISH BLOG part of your Notre Dame life!

Will the Irish Have a New Starting QB in Ireland?

The start of the 2012 Notre Dame football season is just 122 DAYS away and the race for the starting QB position may have gotten clearer or muddier (depending on your perspective) -- around 12:30 AM this morning...

Do Tommy's troubles open the door for Hendrix or Golson to assume leadership of this team?

It's going to be an interesting summer.

Notre Dame's O.S.C.A.R.S. Night!

More than 750 Notre Dame student-athletes were honored Wednesday night at the Athletic Department's 11th annual O.S.C.A.R.S. Outstanding Students Celebrating Achievements & Recognitions Showcase.  You'll enjoy the link below to the TV commercial spoofs created by the Irish athletes:

LINK:  TV COMMERCIAL SPOOFS

LINK:  O.S.C.A.R.S. AWARDS LIST

Nick Buoniconti -- Hometown Hall of Famer!

Former Notre Dame All-American, two-time Super Bowl Champion and NFL Hall of Famer, Nick Buoniconti -- was honored yesterday at his high school (Cathedral High School) in Springfield, MA -- as a Hometown Hall of Famer by Allstate Insurance Company.  The photo above is of Nick and his Hall of Fame plaque.

Samardzija Gives Cubs Fans a Win Tonight!

Former Notre Dame All-America wide receiver -- Jeff Samardzija is finally showing why he made a great decision to pursue professional baseball over the NFL...

The "Shark" went 7 2/3 innings, striking out seven while giving up one run on three hits -- in the Cub's 3 - 1 win over the Reds. It's his third "quality start" in the first five weeks of the young season.  He's 3 -1 on the season with an ERA of 3.71 going into tonight's start...

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

LINK:  CHICAGO CUBS WEBSITE

LINK:  SEASON STATS FOR SAMARDZIJA

Domer Eric Olsen's Junior Seau Story

Word broke this afternoon that NFL all-time great Junior Seau committed suicide today at his California home.  Within minutes the stories of this man's life began to fill the social media channels.  One, which was shared by former Notre Dame offensive lineman Eric Olsen -- is linked below.  A pretty school story:

LINK:  ERIC OLSEN'S JUNIOR SEAU STORY

Muffet's Biggest Recruit Yet -- Just Might Be!

The story broke last night that former Irish hoops great, Beth Cunningham -- is returning "home" to the University of Notre Dame. 


Cunningham, the most successful HEAD COACH in the history of women's basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) leaves with a record of 167 - 115 -- to join Muffet's staff.  Quite a catch for the IRISH!

You'll enjoy learning why Beth is coming home -- click on the link below:

LINK:  BETH CUNNINGHAM "BACK" TO THE IRISH! 

LINK:  NOTRE DAME ANNOUNCEMENT

Sports Illustrated Weighs In on ND Football

There's been plenty said in the past few weeks, in the media, about the discussions going on right now about a potential four team playoff and what it might mean for Notre Dame.  Well, Andy Staples from Sports Illustrated weighed in on all of the scenarios that could play out for the IRISH.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  INDEPENDENT NOTRE DAME

ONLY NOTRE DAME: One in a Billion!

Colin Littlefield, Law School student at the University of Notre Dame -- discovered a rare type of star this past summer.

Now, this story is a little over my head (pun intended) from this point forward -- so I'm going to quickly get you to the article linked below:

LINK:  THIS IS QUITE A FIND!

If HE Doesn't Get a Sixth Year -- Who Does?

The NCAA turned down Notre Dame's request for a sixth year of eligibility for Tim Abromaitis -- who only played two games of his senior season (his fifth year) after a season ending knee injury.

Abromaitis, who's the three-time defending Big East Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year (the first "three-peat" winner ever) is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete. 

I was honestly shocked to learn that Abromaitis was denied his request to get a sixth year of eligibility -- after learning the NCAA gave Minnesota's Trevor Mbakwe a sixth-year on March 26th after his knee injury.  In fact, Mbakwe played in SEVEN games this past season before his injury -- FIVE more games that Abromaitis.

FACT:  Mr. Mbakwe played his freshman season at Marquette -- he then transferred to a junior college in Miami to play his sophomore season -- then he transfers to Minnesota and sits out that season with a "knee sprain."  Mbakwe then plays the next season for Minnesota and this past season (his fifth year of eligibility) he plays the first seven games before the knee injury.  Key fact -- Mbakwe doesn't have a degree after five years in college (Major:  Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies).

NOW'S THE TIME WHERE I MUST CLEARLY STATE -- THESE VIEWS ARE MY OWN AND NOT THE UNIVERSITY THAT EMPLOYS ME.

Yet, the "student-athlete" who already has an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree -- who plays FIVE LESS GAMES in his fifth year  -- is not granted a sixth year by an institution that supposedly places value in the term STUDENT-ATHLETE.

It's not right.

LINK:  ABRO DENIED BY NCAA

LINK:  TIM ABROMAITIS -- SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

LINK:  MINNESOTA PLAYER GETS SIXTH YEAR

Is He the Best ND Athlete Since Rocket?

The young man's name is Chris Brown and he's "only a 3-star" wide receiver out of South Carolina -- who I believe is going to prove the recruiting experts don't know what they're talkin' about...

Today, Chris Brown cleared 7' feet in the high jump, last week he ran a 10.51 100 meters and that's not what the track & field world knows him for...

He's generally regarded as the top high school triple jumper in the country and one of the top fifteen long jumpers in the country.

Yet, I believe he's going to be known NATIONALLY for his exploits on the football field this fall -- as the 6' 2" athlete will be lining up at wide receiver for Brian Kelly's offense.  I know for a fact, that the Notre Dame coaching staff was THRILLED when he committed to ND (they know the recruiting experts missed this young man) and they're counting on him to come in and contribute right away!

Keep an eye out for Mr. Chris Brown -- he believes he'll jump higher and farther and run faster -- at the South Carolina High School Championships next month.  He's a big-time talent!


LINK:  NEW BALANCE NATIONALS -- 2011 TRIPLE JUMP

LINK:  HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS

Domer Chris Stewart's Telling Interview

Ran across this interview that former Notre Dame offensive guard Chris Stewart gave to a site called Pro Interviews.  Pretty good stuff here -- I haven't seen before...

LINK:  CHRIS STEWART INTERVIEW

Holy Cross Team Wins Bookstore Basketball!

In what could only happen in a movie like Hoosiers -- a team of five, one a Notre Dame employee and the other four, students at Holy Cross College -- won the 2012 Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore Basketball Championship last night!

THE WORLD'S LARGEST FIVE-ON-FIVE OUTDOOR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT!

In 51 degree weather and STEADY RAIN -- the Holy Cross team called "Hoops We Did It Again" won on a three-pointer over a team named SWAG that included 6'-8" former Notre Dame power forward Mike Broghamer.  See the full story in the Observer article below:

LINK:  HAMMES NOTRE DAME BOOKSTORE BASKETBALL

LINK:  OBSERVER ARTICLE

Notre Dame's Relay For Life on Campus!

The online show "Our Team, Our Story" sent their cameras to Friday night's Relay For Life event on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  $85,000 was raised for cancer research from this effort.  You'll enjoy this story:

LINK:  RELAY FOR LIFE

OT: America Takes Back This Space!

The morning of September 11, 2001 -- I was making my weekly commute from the Motor City to New York City.  My flight landed a little after 8:00 AM ET at LaGuardia airport...  What happened the next few hours will never be forgotten.

This morning, I ran across this story coming out of NYC today -- and I smiled -- because America had finally taken back this space.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NEW YORK'S TALLEST BUILDING -- TODAY

Domers Weis '78 & Crist '12 Lead Jayhawks

The Jayhawks played their first Spring game yesterday with Coach Weis and Dayne Crist leading the charge.  Here's some game highlights along with the media coverage.  The game was played in front of a crowd estimated at 15,000 -- "They're not in South Bend anymore..."

I want these two and the rest of the Fightin' Irish gang in Lawrence to do great!!!

LINK:  KANSAS JAYHAWKS SPRING GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL

LINK:  UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

Jonas Gray to Dolphins, Dever to Cowboys...

The NFL "free agent frenzy" began even before the final pick in the 7th round -- when the owner of the Miami Dolphins got on the phone with Notre Dame's Jonas Gray to negotiate what appears to be a guaranteed one-year deal with the Irish star, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Congratulations Jonas!

Also -- Taylor Dever's agent negotiated a free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys for the former Irish offensive tackle and Ethan Johnson signed a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.  Gary Gray is rumored to have accepted a mini-camp / workout with the Detroit Lions.  Trevor Robinson signs a free agent deal with the Cincinatti Bengals.  Still waiting to learn if David Ruffer will sign with a team.

I Found a New Toy, You'll Want One Too!

Folks, I've been playing the last 72 hours with the Verizon 4G Droid Bionic Motorola mobile phone and their NFL Mobile ap -- watching the 2012 NFL Draft. Addictive!

This morning, I got up and I'm watching the NFL Network's Live on this phone -- and it's streaming, perfectly -- without any hesitation.

It's cable TV on the go -- my wife's not going to like that!!!

Now, if I can get a Notre Dame NBC ap for this thing -- I'll be all set!

LINK:  NFL MOBILE AP

The IRISH Finally Beat Syaracuse LAX!

A "perfect" first half with #4 Notre Dame shutting out #17 Syracuse 4 - 0, led to a second half that got a little too close for comfort...

Yet, the Fighting Irish lacrosse program finally beat Syracuse in lacrosse -- for the first time in school history -- in front a sold-out crowd at Arlotta Stadium!  The Irish had seven different goal scorers in their 8 - 6 win -- their tenth straight win of the season!

Congratulations Coach Corrigan!

You're going to want to watch the video below -- VERY SPECIAL!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LACROSSE VIDEO

Notre Dame Lacrosse on ESPNU NOW!

The #4 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are playing right now on ESPNU against perennial power Syracuse.  TUNE IN!

Darius Fleming Goes to 49ers in Fifth Round!

Notre Dame linebacker, Darius Fleming will soon be moving to the "left" coast -- having been drafted this afternoon by the San Francisco 49ers.  The IRISH linebacker was selected in the Fifth Round as the 165th player overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Darius will be joining former teammate Ian Williams who signed with the 49ers last year as a free agent.

Congratulations Darius!

LINK:  DARIUS FLEMING DRAFT PROFILE

LINK:  HARBAUGH'S CALL TO FLEMING

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

RJ Blanton Taken in Fifth Round by Vikings!

University of Notre Dame cornerback RJ Blanton was drafted this afternoon by the Minnesota Vikings in the Fifth Round of the 2012 NFL Draft.  The 139th pick, Blanton will be joining current teammate Harrison Smith and three former teammates on the Vikings roster; John Sullivan, Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson. 

Congratulations RJ!

LINK:  RJ BLANTON DRAFT PROFILE

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST STORY

LINK:  RJ'S DRAFT DIARY

Michael Floyd Introduced to Arizona

Thursday night Michael Floyd was in mid-town Manhattan walking across the stage at Radio City Music Hall -- Friday afternoon Michael's in Tempe, AZ standing in front a throng of media who will be covering his every move for at least the next four years of his life.  His new "friends."

Thought I'd take a lap around the Arizona media landscape to see what they're saying about the drafting of Michael Floyd.  Enjoy!

LINK:  MICHAEL'S ARRIVAL

LINK:  INTRODUCTORY PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  ARIZONA REPUBLIC

LINK:  FOX SPORTS ARIZONA

LINK:  TUCSON CITIZEN

I Am So Happy for Harrison Smith!

This young man is a great story.

Three years ago, Notre Dame fans all over the country were yelling at their TV sets wondering why #22 was on the field.  This fall IRISH fans will be wishing #22 was still on the field...

My how time changes everything.

Harrison Smith is going to make millions playing the game of football -- and I couldn't be happier for this young Notre Dame Man.  The folks at the Minneapolis Star Tribune published a nice story about Harrison -- as did a few other media outlets.  See the links below:

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH

LINK:  KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS

LINK:  YAHOO SPORTS

Vikings GM Talks Harrison Smith

The Minnesota Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman met with the media after their selection of Notre Dame captain Harrison Smith in the First Round of the 2012 NFL Draft.  Here's a link to the video:

LINK:  VIKINGS GM SPIELMAN TALKS HARRISON SMITH

Arizona Cardinals Top Brass Talk About Floyd

The General Manager and Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals met with the media to discuss their selection of Michael Floyd as their #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Here's a link to the video:

LINK:  CARDINALS TALK ABOUT FLOYD

Looks Like a Football Final Four is Possible!

University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick spoke with the folks at the South Bend Tribune recently to talk about the latest on-going discussion about a play-off format for college football.

The good news is the Pac 12's motive to limit the participants to the winners of the four largest football conferences fell on deaf ears...

Thus, the independents and the schools that don't belong to the SEC, Big Ten, Pac 12 and ??? -- won't be shut out of an opportunity to play for the national championship.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  JACK SWARBRICK TALKS PLAYOFF

Who's Counting? I Am...

We sure hear from the pundits when a NFL First Round goes by and not a single player from the University of Notre Dame is drafted... 

Well, thankfully -- that's not the case this morning.  Here's a list of the school counts of the #1 draft picks in last night's opening round:

• ALABAMA: 4 players
• NOTRE DAME:  2 players
• STANFORD:  2 players
• BAYLOR:  2 players
• USC:  2 players
• SOUTH CAROLINA:  2 players
• ILLINOIS:  2 players
• LSU:  2 players
• OKLAHOMA STATE:  2 players
• BOISE STATE:  2 players
• TEXAS A&M:  1 player
• BOSTON COLLEGE:  1 player
• MEMPHIS:  1 player
• MISSISSIPPI STATE:  1 player
• WEST VIRGINIA:  1 player
• NORTH CAROLINA:  1 player
• SYRACUSE:  1 player
• IOWA:  1 player
• WISCONSIN:  1 player
• VIRGINIA TECH:  1 player

Schools Notre Dame typically recruits against, without first round draft picks last night:  Michigan, Florida, Texas, Ohio State, Florida State, Miami, Penn State, Michigan State, Oklahoma and Nebraska. 

62 Notre Dame Players, NFL First Round History

I was surprised to learn that in the previous 12 NFL Drafts -- only two Notre Dame players had been drafted in the 1st Round; Jeff Faine in 2003 and Brady Quinn in 2007.

That changed today -- BIG TIME -- when Michael Floyd (13th overall) and Harrison Smith (29th overall) became the 61st and 62nd players in the 125 year history of Notre Dame football to be drafted in the First Round of the NFL Draft.  (Painting above of Angelo Bertelli, Notre Dame's first #1 overall player taken in the NFL Draft.)

ALL TIME -- NOTRE DAME FIRST ROUND NFL SELECTIONS

• 2012:  Michael Floyd and Harrison Smith
• 2007:  Brady Quinn
• 2003:  Jeff Faine
• 1999:  Luke Pettigout
• 1997:  Renaldo Wynn
• 1994:  Bryant Young, Aaron Taylor and Jeff Burris
• 1993:  Rick Mirer, Jerome Bettis, Tom Carter and Irv Smith
• 1992:  Derek Brown
• 1991:  Todd Lyght
• 1989:  Andy Heck
• 1988:  Tim Brown
• 1986:  Eric Dorsey
• 1984:  Greg Bell
• 1983:  Tony Hunter
• 1982:  Bob Crable
• 1980:  Vagas Ferguson
• 1978:  Ken MacAfee, Ross Browner and Luther Bradley
• 1976:  Steve Niehaus
• 1975:  Mike Fanning
• 1972:  Walt Patulski*, Clarence Ellis and Mike Kadish
• 1970:  Mike McCoy
• 1969:  George Kunz and Jim Seymour
• 1968:  Kevin Hardy
• 1967:  Paul Seller, Alan Page and Tom Regner
• 1965:  Jack Snow
• 1960:  George Izo and Monty Stickles
• 1959:  Nick Pietrosante
• 1957:  Paul Hornung*
• 1955:  Joe Heap, Frank Varrichone and Ralph Guglliemi
• 1954:  Johnny Lattner, Art Hunter and Neil Worden
• 1951:  Jerry Groom and Bob Williams
• 1950:  Leon Hart*
• 1949:  Bill Fischer and Frank Tripucka
• 1946:  Bobby Dancewicz*, George Connor, Emil Sitko and Johnny Lujack
• 1945:  Frank Szymanski and John Yonakor
• 1944:  Angelo Bertelli* and Creighton Miller
• 1936:  William Shakespeare

LINK:  NFL ALL-TIME DRAFT LIST OF NOTRE DAME PLAYERS

*DENOTES:  Drafted #1 Overall!

Harrison Smith Goes First Round to Vikings!

Former Notre Dame team captain, Harrison Smith was just drafted #29 overall in the First Round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings!  At this draft spot, Smith can expect to sign a four-year contract with around $4 million guaranteed money.  Not a bad pay day!!!!

Harrison, the second safety taken in the draft will be joining a Vikings roster that has a number of former Domers; John Sullivan, Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson.

Congratulations Harrison!

LINK:  VIDEO OF DRAFT ANNOUNCEMENT -- NFL NETWORK

LINK:  ESPN - IMMEDIATE REACTION

LINK:  PIONEER PRESS - IMMEDIATE REACTION

Michael Floyd Drafted #13 by Arizona Cardinals!

Former Notre Dame All-American Michael Floyd is now the "draft property" of the Arizona Cardinals.  Michael, the second wide receiver taken and #13 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft -- will be slotted into a rookie contract that will pay him in the neighborhood of $11 million guaranteed over the minimum four-year contract he must sign with the Cardinals.  (Photo above of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with Michael Floyd)

Floyd will also be playing opposite one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Larry Fitzgerald -- who just happens to be from the same high school as Michael (Cretin-Durham High School) in Minneapolis.  Fitzgerald is in the second year of an eight-year contract that pays him a minimum of $50 million with incentives that could pay him as much as $120 million.

A little incentive for Michael Floyd.

See the video of Michael's selection along with the immediate reaction from the NFL Network and others in the media to Arizona's pick of Floyd.

Congratulations Michael!

LINK:  VIDEO OF ARIZONA'S SELECTION OF MICHAEL FLOYD

LINK:  ESPN IMMEDIATE REACTION

LINK:  ARIZONA REPUBLIC - IMMEDIATE REACTION

LINK:  FITZGERALD WANTED FLOYD IN ARIZONA!

ND Student-Athletes Know Too Much...

You've got to love this story coming out of New York...

Billy Hunter, the Executive Director of the NBA Players' Association -- apparently wanted to invest MILLIONS of the players' money in a bank that Hunter's son was on the Board of Directors of...

Well former Notre Dame student-athlete and NBA player -- Pat Garrity (pictured) uncovered the planned investment and questioned WHY?

Well, I won't ruin the rest of the story (see below) but the old adage "Irish Need Not Apply" -- sounds appropriate for the NBA Players' Association.

LINK:  YAHOO SPORTS STORY

LINK:  U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING

8,186 Days of Preparation Led to This Moment

In less than five hours, Michael Floyd's life will change forever.

The 2012 NFL Draft begins at 7 PM ET on ESPN and I would imagine somewhere around 9 PM ET -- the world will welcome its newest millionaire, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks to the microphone and says:

"With the "blank" pick of the 2012 NFL Draft the "blank team" select Michael Floyd, wide receiver, University of Notre Dame."

Michael Floyd has been on this earth since his birth in November of 1989 and many of those years he dreamed of this moment -- a moment which will happen on the 8,186th day of his young life.

I can't wait for this young man to have that walk across the stage and to see his MOM's reaction -- a woman who did much in her life to ensure that day 8,186 was special for her son.

GOD SPEED MICHAEL FLOYD!

LINK:  IS HE HEADED TO THE JETS?

Notre Dame Hockey to Play @ Soldier Field!

Yeah, it's hockey I'm talkin' about...


It was "leaked" to the media last night, that the University of Notre Dame would be taking on Miami of Ohio on Sunday, February 17th in the first college hockey game ever played at Chicago's historic Soldier Field -- as part of a double-header that would include Minnesota vs. Wisconsin.

You've got to love the fans up in Minnesota -- they talked about the proposed games at Soldier Field and called Notre Dame the "undercard" game -- REALLY?  See their post below as well.

Ironically, just a few months earlier the Notre Dame football team will be playing another school called Miami (FL) in football at Soldier Field.

Here's a link to the details:

LINK:  IRISH TO SKATE AT SOLDIER FIELD

LINK:  NOTRE DAME AN "UNDERCARD" IN CHICAGO?

Michael Floyd @ NYC's Chelsea Piers today!

Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Michael Floyd is just 27 hours or so away from learning where he'll be playing football this fall.  As part of his preparation for tomorrow's 2012 NFL DRAFT in NYC -- Michael was in Manhattan today at Chelsea Piers having an oatmeal breakfast (courtesy of the gang at Quaker Oats), with a number of New York kids -- prior to participating in the Play 60 Youth Football Festival.

It must be great fun being Michael Floyd these days!  He's earned it!