Photo of Golden Tate's Super Bowl Ring

183 diamonds make up the Super Bowl ring given to former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate.

Now, it might not be the most beautiful Super Bowl ring I've ever seen...

LINK:  GOLDEN'S SUPER RING

Chicago Blackhawks Returning to Notre Dame

The NHL's Chicago Blackhawks will make a return trip to the campus of the University of Notre Dame on Friday, September 19th to begin their 2014 training camp at the Compton Family Ice Arena.

Here's the story:

LINK:  BLACKHAWKS RETURN

Watch Domer Besler and Team USA at 6 PM ET

The USA vs. Portugal World Cup game begins at 6 PM ET -- though ESPN's coverage begins an hour earlier at 5 PM ET.

Former Notre Dame All-American Matt Besler (he wears uniform #5) is good to go tonight -- after being taken out at the 41 minute mark in the USA's 2 - 1 win over Ghana ten days ago because of a hamstring strain. 

A win today over Portugal will mark the first time in 84 years that America would have won two games in the opening round of a World Cup...

LINK:  GO USA!

Photo of Domer Ferreira at US Open This Week!

Fighting Irish sophomore student-athlete Jordan Ferreira is seen here on the practice tee at this weeks US Open -- in a photo taken by Claire Blakey, wife of long-time USGA Rules Official Lew Blakey '54.  Claire, thanks for sending the photo!

The Blakey's are down at Pinehurst this week for the Women's US Open.

Jordan shot 81 - 78 and failed to make the cut.

The First of Many Magazine Covers for Jaylon

Jaylon Smith is only a sophomore at Notre Dame and he's already pictured on the cover of Phil Steele's 2014 College Preview Magazine. 

The first of many for this talented student-athlete in the GOLD HELMET!

Michael Floyd "The NFL's Next Big Star..."

Former Notre Dame All-American Michael Floyd is being mentioned as "the next big star" in the National Football League -- pretty heady stuff...

LINK:  NEXT BIG THING

Samardzija Turns Down $85 Million Cubs' Offer

Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver (turned major league baseball pitcher) Jeff Samardzija -- turned down a reported $85 million contract extension with the Chicago Cubs.

Looks like Jeff is heading to the trading block...

LINK:  CUBS AND THE SHARK

Bears Head Coach Talks Jimmy Clausen

Looks like former Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is making a favorable impression with the Chicago Bears.  Click on the story below:

LINK:  CLAUSEN TO STICK

Besler Should Be Good to Go for Sunday

Former Notre Dame All-American Matt Besler '09 -- a starting "center back defender" on TEAM USA -- appears to be full go for Sunday's World Cup game against Portugal.  The Domer was injured in the 41st minute of America's 2 - 1 win over Ghana.

Ironically, his replacement scored the winning goal!

LINK:  INJURY UPDATE

LINK:  MATT BESLER -- HIS STORY

Latest Photo From Inside Notre Dame Stadium

Here's the latest picture of the work going on inside Notre Dame Stadium as they prep for the installation of field turf.

Pat Connaughton Signs Contract With Orioles!

Notre Dame two-sport star Pat Connaughton officially signed his contract with the Orioles and is now headed to Sarasota, FL to pitch for the Gulf Coast League Orioles.

Connaughton was taken in the 4th round by the Orioles in  2014 MLB Draft -- earlier this month -- earning a $428,000 bonus...

Pat will return to Notre Dame on July 30th to begin preparation for his senior season with Mike Brey's Fighting Irish.  You'll enjoy the video of Pat being drafted by the Orioles -- and the video from last night's Oriole's game where Pat was introduced on the field during the game:

LINK:  ORIOLES DRAFT CONNAUGHTON

LINK:  CAMDEN -- ON FIELD INTRODUCTION TO FANS

LINK:  CONNAUGHTON 

LINK:  MLB 2014 BONUS POOL

Reunion Weekend: Notre Dame Trivia!!!

Folks, this is a well produced and entertaining video you must see!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME TRIVIA

Coach Kelly Cooking at Meijer's in Mishawaka

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly was at the Meijer's in Mishawaka this week with a couple of his "rising" sophomore football stars:  Corey Robinson and Mike McGlinchey. 

Folks, McGlinchey is huge -- he should be the first guy off the bus wherever we play on the road next season...

You're going to want to watch this video of their appearance -- good fun:

LINK:  COACH KELLY AT MEIJER'S

Ruth Riley Announces Her Retirement Today

All-time Notre Dame basketball great Ruth Riley -- announced her retirement today.

Riley, who made her two final free-throws in her Notre Dame career to win a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP -- played 13 years in the WNBA winning two championships in Detroit...

She's a class act.

LINK:  RILEY RETIRES

LINK:  PHOTO GALLERY

Brady Quinn Blogs About His Future Plans

In the past 24 hours, former Notre Dame All-American Brady Quinn posted a story about his future plans...

Thought you'd enjoy finding out what he's thinking!

LINK:  BRADY QUINN'S BLOG

Domer's Injury Update From 2014 World Cup

Former Notre Dame All-American Matt Besler '09 had to leave Team USA's fWorld Cup game last night against Ghana at the 41 minute mark do to a reported hamstring injury.  Ironically, the American's winning goal came from his replacement John Brooks...

That's a photo of Matt (#5) heading the ball in last night's game.

Here's an update this morning on Besler's condidtion:

LINK:  BESLER INJURY

Domer Besler Gets World Cup Start Tonight!

Former Notre Dame All-American Matt Besler '09 got the start tonight on defense for TEAM USA against Ghana at the 2014 World Cup.  Besler led the IRISH to four straight trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Matt's brother Nick is a current member of Notre Dame's national championship team.

Here's the media coverage:

LINK:  BESLER -- TEAM USA

LINK:  HOMETOWN STAR

LINK:  CARRYING THE KC FLAG

Ricky Watters Finishing His Notre Dame Degree

Former Notre Dame National Champion, Super Bowl Champion and five-time NFL Pro Bowl running back -- Ricky Watters -- is back on campus attending classes today...

Ricky's wife Catherina Watters -- who's an attorney and sports agent -- "tweeted" this news today.  A link to their family business (CHANG WATTERS) website is included below.

Watters left Notre Dame back in 1991 to play for the San Francisco 49ers -- without completing his degree. 

LINK:  RICKY WATTERS' OFFICIAL WEBSITE

LINK:  CHANG WATTERS' WEBSITE

Domer Huddle Sets New American Record!

Former Notre Dame All-American Molly Huddle '07 -- won the 43rd New York Mini-10K this weekend in a new American record time!

Huddle finished with a time of 31:37 -- becoming the first American to win the race in 10 years.  Here's the story:

LINK:  AMERICAN RECORD

Vegas Oddsmakers Project 8 Win Season...

The oddsmakers have Notre Dame favored to win 8 of their 12 games this season -- the point spreads linked below. 

LINK:  ND FOOTBALL -- ODDSMAKERS

Photo of Muffet's Recruits First Day at ND!

In the past 24 hours -- the incoming student-athletes for Notre Dame's Class of 2018 began arriving on campus to begin their college career. 

The photo above is of Notre Dame women's basketball recruits -- from left to right; Kathryn Westbeld, Brianna Turner and Mychal Johnson -- they're the #5 ranked recruiting class:

• Brianna Turner -- the #2 ranked prep player
• Kathryn Westbeld -- the #21 ranked prep player
• Mychal Johnson -- the #81 ranked prep player

Happy Father's Day!

I want to wish my Dad and all Dad's a Happy Father's Day!

That's my Dad's 1957 baseball card from his third season with the Detroit Tigers.

Notre Dame Fans Meet Jhonny Williams!

You're going to want to watch this video.  I'm rooting big-time for this young man!

LINK:  JHONNY WILLIAMS

ND Golf Recruit Receives Sponsor Exemption

Incoming Notre Dame student-athlete Kari Bellville (Granger, IN) just received a sponsor's exemption to play in the Four Winds Invitational (a professional golf tournament) at Blackthorn Golf Club.

Bellville is fresh off her win at the Indiana State Junior Championship -- where she carded a 1-under par round of 71 on the final day to win by seven shots.  See story below:

LINK:  SPONSOR'S EXEMPTION

LINK:  INTERVIEW

Mike Golic Jr., Signs Contract With Montreal

I wonder if Mike Golic Jr., knows the French language?

It was announced yesterday that the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes have signed former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic, Jr. to a contract.

LINK:  GOLIC TO ALOUETTES

Jimmy Clausen Talks Chicago Bears' OTA

Former Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen met with the media for the first time yesterday since signing with the Chicago Bears -- here's a link to him talking about learning the Bear's offense:

LINK:  CLAUSEN

Bob Diaco Shows Off His Cooking Skill

Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco -- was a guest on a local Connecticut TV show this week, showing off his cooking skill.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  DIACO

Coach Kelly Talks With Media Last Night

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the media for a few minutes last night -- here's the link:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY

Chris Watt Running With Starters in San Diego!

Former Notre Dame offensive lineman Chris Watt '13 is running with the starting unit at practice this week in San Diego.  Here's a nice story about how Chris is progressing with the Chargers.

LINK:  WATT RUNNING WITH THE STARTERS

Skylar Leads Shock Over New York Liberty

Former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins led her Tulsa Shock teammates today with 21 points in their 72 - 57 win over the WNBA's New York Liberty. 

On the season -- Skylar leads the Shock in the following categories:

• Scoring:  17.3 points per game
• Assists:  6.3 assists per game
• Minutes:  31.3 minutes per game

LINK:  TULSA WORLD STORY

WSBT 960 AM: Brian Kelly Interview Today

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the gang at Weekday SportsBeat this evening to talk about his Fighting Irish.  Just click on the link below to listen to the show:

LINK:  COACH KELLY

Pat Connaughton Reaches Deal With Orioles

Notre Dame multi-sport star Pat Connaughton announced today that he's agreed to terms with the Baltimore Orioles that will allow him to play basketball this year for the Fighting Irish.  Connaughton hasn't signed the contract.

LINK:  CONNAUGHTON DEAL

Former Irish Hoops Stars Play for $500,000!

A team made up of Notre Dame men's basketball alumni has made it to the championship game of The Basketball Tournament -- and the winning team receives $500,000!  A field of 32 teams competed this weekend in Philadelphia -- The Fighting Alumni (that's the team's name) -- won four games -- earning a trip to the championship game.

Here's the twist -- the championship game is slated for June 28th -- to be held in a location voted on by fans.  That's right -- the fans pick where the championship game is played!  So, Notre Dame fans -- if you want to pick the destination, click on the link below and vote.

Here is the list of former Irish basketball stars on the team;

• Chris Thomas
• Tory Jackson
• Zach Hillestand
• Ryan Ayers
• Russell Carter
• Ty Nash
• Rob Kurz
• Colin Falls
• Torin Francis

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE 

LINK:  THE FIGHTING ALUMNI -- ROSTER

LINK:  VOTE HERE!

Jewell Loyd Leads TEAM USA to Gold Medal!

Notre Dame student-athlete Jewell Loyd '16, led Team USA to the FIBA 3x3 World Championship in Moscow, Russia yesterday afternoon.  The Americans beat the Russians on their home court in the final game!  (That's Jewell wearing #8 in the far right of the photo)

As you'll read in these news stories -- Jewell "dominated" on both ends of the court -- putting her in the conversation as one of the top players "ON THE PLANET."

LINK:  WORLD CHAMPS!

LINK:  TEAM USA SITE

Skylar Diggins Featured in Esquire Magazine!

Folks, former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins is everywhere...

These are the spreads from a story in the July issue of Esquire Magazine.

Latest Jeff Samardzija Trade Rumors

Former Notre Dame All-American Jeff Samardzija won his second game yesterday for the Chicago Cubs as he pitched seven strong innings, striking out eight while giving up two earned runs.  His stats on the season:

• ERA:  2.54 -- seventh best in the National League
• STRIKEOUTS:  75 -- tied for tenth best in the National League
• INNINGS PITCHED:  85 -- sixth best in the National League

LINK:  TRADE RUMORS

Connaughton Drafted By Baltimore Orioles!

I apologize to the regulars of the ND GO IRISH BLOG!  I've been "off the grid" the past few days in northern Michigan with my family -- our daughter Kara gets married next month and we took a few days to get away and spend some time with her.

One of the stories I was following was the Orioles taking Notre Dame two-sport star Pat Connaughton in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft.  See the story linked below.

Congratulations Pat!

LINK:  CONNAUGHTON TO THE ORIOLES

Clausen Signs a Deal With the Chicago Bears

The story just broke that the Chicago Bears have signed free agent Jimmy Clausen to a contract.  The former Notre Dame QB is being brought in to back-up Jay Cutler.  As more information becomes available -- we'll have it here.

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

Encouraging Story For Lions' Theo Riddick

Former Notre Dame running back and now Detroit Lion Theo Riddick -- is the subject of a Detroit News story.  Thought you'd enjoy this. 

That's Riddick taking a hand-off from former Boise State QB Kellen Moore -- in the photo above.

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK

Photo of Terry Hanratty and His Trading Cards

Former two-time Notre Dame All-American QB, two-time Pittsburgh Steeler Super Bowl Champion and father of Fighting Irish offensive lineman Conor Hanratty -- Terry Hanratty -- is seen in this photo holding a couple of his Upper Deck Trading Cards from yesteryear...

Incoming Football Recruit's Taekwondo Skills

You can just bet incoming Notre Dame football recruit Quenton Nelson will be reminded (often) of this stunt by his Fighting Irish teammates... 

In the video linked below -- Nelson destroys two boards.

LINK:  POWERFUL PUNCH

Notre Dame Opens the Toronto Stock Exchange

Only Notre Dame... 

Perry Dellelece '87, has organized a very special day for his alma mater in Canada.

This morning in downtown Toronto, Ontario -- a number of Notre Dame officials and alums rang the opening bell of the Toronto Stock Exchange.  Here's a link to the video replay -- along with a link to the story from the Toronto Stock Exchange site:

LINK:  TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME RINGS THE BELL

Most Expensive Ticket -- 2014 College Football

Folks, seems like every year the most expensive ticket in college football involves the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- this year is no exception...

The folks at StubHub released this information:

LINK:  MOST EXPENSIVE TICKET IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Time Lapse: Notre Dame Stadium Make-Over

Here's the latest look at what's going on inside the "House That Rock Built" -- from the transformation of Notre Dame Stadium for the 169th Commencement Exercise -- to the removing of the grass field and plenty of dirt in the weeks after... 

As Notre Dame Stadium prepares for its first-ever game on field turf -- August 30th -- against Rice.

 Click on the link below:

LINK:  TIME-LAPSE

MLB 2014 Mock Draft: Domer Pat Connaughton

I found a Major League Baseball mock draft that went beyond the first round -- and it's predicting Notre Dame "two-sport star" Pat Connaughton will go in the first 100 picks. 

To learn what team and what round-- click on the link below:

LINK:  CONNAUGHTON DRAFTED BY...

Incoming Domer Wins Michigan Shot Put Title!

Jhonny Williams, out of Berrien Springs High School -- won the Michigan High School Division III State Championship in the shot put this weekend with a toss of 56 feet!

Williams,  a 6'-5" 230 lb. defensive end prospect, will be enrolling at Notre Dame in a couple of weeks to play for Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish.

Congratulations Jhonny!

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

90 Days Away: The Fighting Irish Return Today

The 2014 Notre Dame football season is just 90 days away -- as the Fighting Irish return to campus today after a few weeks away after the Spring Semester's end. 

The incoming freshman class will report in a couple of weeks -- when the Summer Semester begins.

Notre Dame QB Everett Golson spent his time away in San Diego working with QB guru George Whifield.  The photo above is of Golson working on a passing drill...