Photos of the "New" Morris Inn @ Notre Dame

Folks, if you haven't seen the new Morris Inn -- be prepared to go WOW!

We had an event at the Morris Inn tonight and "to a person" we were all blown away with the transformation of this campus landmark.  INCREDIBLE!

"Hayseed" -- "Like an Assistant Coach on Field"

Former Notre Dame football captain Harrison Smith is making quite a name for himself in the NFL.  His head coach is already calling the "second year" safety for the Vikings "... a coach on the field..."

You'll enjoy this NFL story on "Hayseed."

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH

Brian Kelly -- "I Want to be at Notre Dame"

My friend Jeff Jeffers (WNDU-TV) sat down with Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly for WNDU's COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF show that will air at 2 PM ET on August 31st.  The folks at WNDU-TV gave us a "sneak preview" of the conversation tonight -- Irish fans will enjoy seeing this!

LINK:  JEFF JEFFERS WITH COACH KELLY

Looking for ND Memorabilia -- Here's the Place!

I stumbled upon Augie's Locker Room this afternoon during the lunch hour in South Bend -- and all I can say is WOW!

If you are a fan of Notre Dame -- you MUST stop in and see what Jim Augustine has in his store.  I could have spent an hour walking around taking in what "Augie" has collected.  It's vintage Notre Dame at its best!

So, if you're coming in for a football weekend this fall -- please be sure to carve out some time to visit Augie's Locker Room -- they're located on South Bend Avenue (SR 23) -- just across the street from Oak Hill Condominiums and around the corner from the Linebacker.  Here's a link to their website:

LINK:  AUGIE'S LOCKER ROOM

Domer Hits First Professional Walk-Off Homer!

Eric Jagielo, who was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1st round this past June, hit a "walk-off" home run this weekend to lead the Staten Island Yankees over the Tri-City Valley Cats.  Jagielo, is having a terrific rookie season for the Yankees -- having been selected to play in the 2013 NY-Penn League All-Star game.

After Jagielo's "big fly" a local TV station caught up with him for this extensive interview -- the second link shows a video of his "walk-off" home run:

LINK:  JAGIELO INTERVIEW

LINK:  VIDEO OF JAGIELO'S HOME RUN!

Mike Golic, Jr. -- Episode #2 Gillette's NFL Film

It's called Built For Training -- and former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic, Jr. '12, is one of three NFL rookies featured in this weekly series.  Here's episode #2:

LINK:  MIKE GOLIC, JR.

Cierre Wood in Battle to Make Texans Roster

Former Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood has held his own rushing the ball -- gaining 79 yards on 15 carries for the Houston Texans -- second best on the team.  Yet, he's struggling with special teams -- something he never played for the Irish.  Here's a look at the guys battling Cierre for a back-up running back roster spot with the Texans:

LINK:  WILL HE MAKE THE ROSTER

LINK:  HOUSTON TEXANS STATS

Tim Brown's Thoughts on Johnny Manziel

Former Notre Dame All-American and Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Brown '88 was in South Bend yesterday hosting a golf outing and the folks at the South Bend Tribune caught up with him...

Here's what he had to say about Mr. Manziel:

LINK:  BROWN ON MANZIEL

Notre Dame's Football Schedule Ranked 13th...

That's 13th toughest in the country...

Here's a link to Phil Steele's statistical rankings of the toughest college football schedules for the 2013 season:

LINK:  13TH TOUGHEST

USA Today Interviews Notre Dame's Swarbrick

Jack Swarbrick, Director of Athletics here at the University of Notre Dame,  sat down with a reporter from USA Today to talk about the NCAA and the state of college athletics.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  SWARBRICK

Tigers' Torri Hunter, Sr. Talks About Notre Dame

He's just one of the famous dads who will see their sons wearing a GOLD HELMET this fall for the Fightin' Irish...

Detroit Tiger outfielder Torri Hunter, Sr. was interviewed this past week about his feelings about Notre Dame and his son Torri, Jr. playing for the Irish.  Notre Dame fans will enjoy this story!

LINK:  LONG TIME LOVE FOR NOTRE DAME

Darrin Walls Has Back to Back Deflections

Former Notre Dame defensive back Darrin Walls is playing for the New York Jets this season and he appears to be holding his own...

Here's a story from the Jets exhibition game against the Jaguars last night.


LINK:  DARRIN WALLS

ND Practice Report -- Saturday, July 17th

The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media were back at it today -- covering today's OPEN PRACTICE in front of Faculty & Staff at the University of Notre Dame.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  TODAY'S PRACTICE

Coach Kelly Meets With the Media Saturday

Here is Coach Brian Kelly meeting with the media today after today's practice -- 14 days until the home opening game against Temple!

LINK:  COACH BRIAN KELLY

Danny Spond's Football Days Are Over...

Notre Dame starting OLB Danny Spond told his teammates that his days as a football player are over...

Sadly, Spond is dealing with a medical issue that will not allow him to continue to play football. 

Those that have met Danny will tell you he's one of the finest human beings you'll ever meet -- and I'm quite sure he's going to move on and be a huge success in any career he chooses.

It's just a shame he won't be wearing that GOLD HELMET this fall.

Here's the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  SPOND'S FOOTBALL CAREER IS OVER

Domer Zach Dubois' Music Video From ND

Notre Dame alum Zach Dubois '11, jump started his music career while a student at the University of Notre Dame.  Linked below is his latest music video "Beer for Breakfast" which you'll see some shots from a football weekend at Notre Dame. 

There's a second link to a story in the Elkhart Truth about Zach -- along with a link to his official website.

LINK:  MUSIC VIDEO

LINK:  HOMETOWN PERFORMER

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE

OT: Manti's Teammate -- You Must Read This!

A couple of weeks ago the story broke about Manti Te'o teaching San Diego Chargers' teammate D.J. Fluker how to swim.  Notre Dame fans may recall D.J. played for the Alabama Crismon Tide...

If you have eleven minutes today or tomorrow -- you need to read this story.  Warning:  Have some Kleenex near by!

LINK:  THE HOUSE...

David Robinson Predicts Growth Spurt for Son

Notre Dame freshman wide receiver Corey Robinson  (pictured here when he was 8 years-old) stands 6'-5" for the Fightin' Irish football team.  In a Yahoo Sports story -- Corey's dad, NBA great David Robinson, predicts his son will end up at 6'-8" when he's done growing.  Here's the story:

LINK:  FAMOUS DADS

Tyler Eifert on the Jim Rome Show Today

Former Notre Dame All-American tight end Tyler Eifert was a guest today on the Jim Rome Show.  He was asked about this year's Fightin' Irish -- enjoy!

When you listen to the interview -- you'll learn that Kyle Brandt (the guy interviewing Tyler) is the son of a Notre Dame alum who was an Irish Guard.  Kyle admitted he wanted to go to ND -- he ended up going to Princeton where he was a running back.

LINK:  TYLER EIFERT ON ROME

The Manti Te'o Love Story -- Chicago Sun-Times

Manti Te'o was back "home" on the Notre Dame campus yesterday -- visiting some of his old buddies -- while up the road in Chicago, his Chargers' teammates were preparing for tonight's exhibition game with the Bears.  Here's a story that was published today in the Chicago Sun-Times -- that I think you'll enjoy...

LINK:  A LOVE STORY

Sports Illustrated Released Their Top-25 Today

And, the Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame are ranked...

LINK:  TOP-25

ESPN on Campus Today @ Notre Dame

The folks from ESPN's College Football Live are broadcasting from the campus of Notre Dame today.   The College Football Live show airs at 5 PM ET -- TODAY on ESPN from Notre Dame.  Be sure to watch! 

There's a very funny video clip where Coach Kelly (subbing for Coach Alford) lines up the running backs to run through the "gauntlet" from the wrong direction -- not a good thing!

Here's a quick clip:

LINK:  GAUNTLET SET-UP THE WRONG WAY

Photo of Bookstore Gift Shop in the Morris Inn

Here's a photo just "tweeted" by the Notre Dame Bookstore showing their new location in the newly renovated Morris Inn.  The hotel opening is just days away!

Photo of the Notre Dame Wide Receivers

Here they are -- plenty of talent in this group!

Manti Te'o Talks About His Ankle Injury Today

Former Notre Dame All-American Manti Te'o met with the media today for the first time since his first NFL exhibition action and reports surfaced that he has an ankle injury.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  MANTI TE'O NEWS CONFERENCE

Photo of Shamrock Series Adidas Cleats

Here's the shoes the Fightin' Irish will be wearing at AT&T Stadium in October against the Arizona State Sun Devils.  This photo was "tweeted' by Ryan Grooms (Notre Dame's Football Equipment Manager)

Know Thy Opponent: 2013 Opposing Coaches

Took a lap around the worldwide web this evening -- seeking out the latest press conferences from each of Notre Dame's opposing coaches this season.  I'm going to try to do this every Tuesday night -- from here on out -- until the end of November.  Enjoy!


LINK:  TEMPLE HEAD COACH

LINK:  MICHIGAN HEAD COACH

LINK:  PURDUE HEAD COACH

LINK:  MICHIGAN STATE HEAD COACH

LINK:  OKLAHOMA HEAD COACH

LINK:  ARIZONA STATE HEAD COACH

LINK:  USC HEAD COACH

LINK:  NAVY HEAD COACH

LINK:  PITTSBURGH HEAD COACH

LINK:  BYU HEAD COACH

LINK:  STANFORD HEAD COACH

"There's No Place to Hide" -- Brian Kelly

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this story written by Yahoo! Sports' Dan Wetzel.  You'll read some things in this article that you haven't heard before -- refreshing.

LINK:  NO PLACE TO HIDE

Theo Riddick Update -- Lions Training Camp

Former Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick was in the news today -- discussing his desire to return kicks for the Detroit Lions -- I've also included a link to a story that ran before the Lions' first exhibition game last week:

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK

LINK:  RIDDICK "IMPRESSIVE"

Getting the Shamrock Series Helmets Ready!

This photos was "tweeted" yesterday by Ryan Grooms -- Equipment Manager, Notre Dame Football.  You can follow Ryan on Twitter @NDFBEquipment

Notre Dame Football's Practice Update

Here's a link to the video report from Monday's football practice at Notre Dame:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

Play Like a Champion Today -- Detroit CC !!!

Our youngest son Brady -- a 2010 graduate of Detroit Catholic Central -- found this story yesterday about his alma mater's implementation of the Play Like a Champion Today program for its athletic department.

Detroit Catholic Central is an athletic juggernaut in the state of Michigan -- winning 52 team state championships.  My son's senior year -- they won SIX STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS -- tying the national record!

Catholic Central's athletic director made the trek to Notre Dame this summer to learn about the Play Like a Champion Today program -- here's a link to the story along with a second link to the Play Like a Champion Today site:

LINK:  PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR PROGRAM

Guess Who's One of the Most Intriguing QB's?

I won't spoil the surprise -- click on the link below...

LINK:  25 MOST INTRIGUING QB'S

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