FanPost

Why I'm a fan of Notre Dame Football

It may not be very popular but I'm a fan of Notre Dame and did not attend school there. My mother went to Saint Mary's (graduating in '77). As God would have it I am also the great grandson of one of the Four Horsemen, Fullback Elmer Layden. Naturally, my mother's side of the family had one college allegiance and one only, Notre Dame. My mother didn't care for sports except Notre Dame football, it was one every Saturday. During the holidays I would hear stories from family members about their Notre Dame experience and talking about my great grandfather. I had never met him but he was an incredibly accomplished individual as you could guess. After playing at Notre Dame he coached at Notre Dame and was the first commissioner of the NFL. My mother claims he was one of the creators of the hand signals referees use today. From as early as I can remember I wanted to be a Notre Dame football player until high school hit and I was quickly introduced to the reality that it was not meant to be. Alas, I did not get in to Notre Dame out of high school.

I ended up at Penn State and luck would have it that my first game was Notre Dame in Happy Valley. Penn State was a pre-season ranked top 15 team, Notre Dame came in with a true freshman, Jimmy Clausen, making his first start. I remember the game wasn't close and Notre Dame offense was putrid.

Fast forward to present day, my brother and a few buddies have been picking out games of interest to go to every year. This has only added to my infatuation. Oklahoma in 2012, the national championship game, and this past year in San Antonio to see the Army game.

Notre Dame football has been a huge part of my life except for actual schooling as long as I can remember and know well and good what comes with the territory. My father, a sports cynic in general (he did grow up in Boston after all), is always telling me when the coach needs to go, from Davies to now. We all deal with it, rooting for these teams makes it much easier. From Jarious Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Carlyle Holiday, Rockey Boiman, Courtney Watson, Justin Tuck, and on and on.

If I'm not accepted by the majority I at least have some great bar room talk to share. Also, I'd add a picture but couldn't get it to work...

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