Tuesday, August 13, 2013

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

Monday, August 12, 2013

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

Sunday, August 11, 2013

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

Saturday, August 10, 2013

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

Friday, August 9, 2013

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

Thursday, August 8, 2013

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

Notre Dame Football Fall Camp Coverage


Here's the coverage today from the last practice for the Fightin' Irish at Shiloh Park in Marion, IN.  Notre Dame's football team returned to campus this afternoon.

LINK:  COACH KELLY INTERVIEW

LINK:  TOMMY REES INTERVIEW

LINK:  PRACTICE REPORT

Florida State Hires Domer to Run Athletics!


Stan Wilcox, '81 was named Athletic Director at Florida State University.  Wilcox, a former Notre Dame basketball player for Digger Phelps -- worked for the NCAA before returning home to Notre Dame as its Deputy Athletic Director from 2005 - 2008.  He then left to go to Duke University to work with Kevin White, his former boss at Notre Dame -- where he's been since taking the helm at Florida State.

At the end of the video you'll see his response to who he would be rooting for when his alma mater played the Seminoles...

Here's the media coverage:

LINK:  VIDEO OF ANNOUNCEMENT

LINK:  WILCOX TO LEAD SEMINOLES

LINK:  WILCOX NAMED AD


Jimmy Clausen Looking to Improve His Game...


He's been off the radar ever since his rookie season in Carolina -- but, Jimmy Clausen is still a QB in the NFL and word is he's having a pretty good camp with the Panthers.  Here's an interview:

LINK:  JIMMY CLAUSEN

WatchND's Coverage of Notre Dame Football


Here's a look at what happened on and off the football field yesterday for the Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame.  You'll also catch a link to an interview with Notre Dame linebacker Dan Fox.  Enjoy!

LINK:  PRACTICE REPORT

LINK:  DAN FOX INTERVIEW

LINK:  STRONG & TRUE

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Jonas Gray '12 Interviewed by Dolphin's Insider


Notre Dame fans will enjoy watching this interview of former Notre Dame running back Jonas Gray -- who talks about his first professional game action:

LINK:  JONAS GRAY

Photo of the Day: Domer Robby Toma '13


You've got to love the number the Arizona Cardinals assigned Robby Toma '13 -- former Notre Dame wide receiver.  It would make my day to see him make their roster!

Irish WIN BIG Short-handed in London!

I've got to believe Muffet wasn't too happy with her senior leadership -- as you'll see in the article linked below...

However, the new kids on the block held their own and Notre Dame won handily over a team called BARKING ABBEY (I kid you not!)  101 - 54.  Barking Abbey finished second in the English Basketball League this past season.

LINK:  WINNING WITHOUT THE SENIORS

Anthony Fasano Shares Why He Chose Chiefs


Former Notre Dame tight end Anthony Fasano signed a four-year deal worth $16 million with the Kansas City Chiefs this past off-season.  Here's a session Fasano had with the KC media this week:

LINK:  ANTHONY FASANO ON THE CHIEFS

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Day #2 of Fall Camp for Notre Dame Football

Here's a look at what Notre Dame Football was up to today at Shiloh Park in Marion, IN.  Just click on the links below courtesy of the gang at WatchND.  Enjoy!

LINK:  COACH KELLY INTERVIEW

LINK:  ZACH MARTIN INTERVIEW

LINK:  PRACTICE UPDATE

Notre Dame Football Takes on All Challenges!


Here's our Fightin' Irish getting ready to face all challenges in 2013!  Click on these links!

LINK:  SWINGIN'

LINK:  CLIMBIN' 

LINK:  JARRON JONES' LEAP OF FAITH

Opportunity to Win a Shamrock Series Jersey!


 If you'd like to be the "only one on the block" with the latest football fashion from Notre Dame -- here's your chance!

LINK:  WIN A SHAMROCK SERIES JERSEY!

Had to Share: A Life-Long Sufferer of Poison Ivy


Folks, I've had to deal with this nasty thing called "poison ivy" ever since I grew up in the woods of Michigan as a kid.  Without fail -- I'd come down with this rash every year.  I was told I was "alergic" to it.

I have to admit I start feeling "itchy" just thinking about this!

Anyway, I share with you a great story written by Kerry Temple '74 -- the award winning editor of Notre Dame Magazine -- about his battles with this evil plant.  Enjoy -- if you can!

LINK:  SUMMER'S CURSE

Golden Tate: "Most Impressive Player in Camp!"


Encouraging news out of Seattle Seahawks camp for former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate.  Golden is in his "contract year" and a productive season will mean big dollars next year!

LINK:  SEATTLE'S BEST PLAYER

Notre Dame's Unveiling to Football Team!


You'll enjoy this story on how the Fightin' Irish learned about their new Shamrock Series helmet, jersey, pants, gloves, base layer, socks, shoes...

LINK:  DRESSING THE IRISH!

The 100 Year Anniversary of "Dorais to Rockne"


The great grandsons of Gus Dorais '14 and Knute Rockne '14 reenacted the practicing of the "forward pass" on the beach at Cedar Point.  You'll enjoy Michael Rockne's reading of his famous great-grandpa's recollection of their time on the Cedar Point Beach and the 40 yard TD pass in Notre Dame's upset win over Army.

LINK:  CLICK ON THE VIDEO IN THIS STORY!

A "Super" Toy Truck for a Michiana Boy!


Austin Russelow -- a two year-old who suffers from cerebral palsy -- received a pretty cool present from a number of Notre Dame engineering students.  You'll want to watch this!

LINK:  A SUPER TOY

WatchND's First Practice Report from Fall Camp


Notre Dame's football team held their first practice of the 2013 season yesterday afternoon in Marion, IN.  The only media on hand was Notre Dame's own WatchND -- here's their report:

LINK:  PRACTICE #1 -- 2013 ND FOOTBALL

Monday, August 5, 2013

Coach Brian Kelly Talks Day 1 of Fall Camp


The Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame started their 126th football season today in Marion, IN -- as they took their show on the road to build team camaraderie.  Here's what Coach Kelly had to say about the first day of practice:

LINK:  COACH KELLY ON HIS IRISH

Notre Dame's Shamrock Series Game Helmet


Here's a photo "tweeted" this afternoon by Ryan Grooms -- Notre Dame's football equipment manager.  It's a close-up of the helmet design for this year's Shamrock Series game.  The shamrock on the helmet is chrome. You can follow Ryan on Twitter at:  @NDFBEquipment

Notre Dame's Shamrock Series Uniform Photos






Here's the photos and video promoting the helmet, jersey, base shirt, socks, shoes and gloves combination that Notre Dame will be wearing in their 2013 Shamrock Series game October 5th against Arizona State at the newly named AT&T Stadium -- home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Here's the link to the promotional video:

LINK:  IRISH THUNDER TROOPER

LINK:  OFFICIAL RELEASE FROM NOTRE DAME