Top players in Notre Dame Football History

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program is one of the most prestigious and successful college football programs of all Gridiron lore. The Fighting Irish have won 11 national championships, the second-most of any college football team, behind only Alabama. Notre Dame has also played in 39 bowl games, more than any other college football team.

The Irish football program was founded in 1887. The Golden Domers won their first national championship in 1924, under the leadership of head coach Knute Rockne. Rockne is considered to be one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. He led the Fighting Irish to five national championships, including four in a row from 1927 to 1930.

Notre Dame continued to have success in the decades after Rockne's death. The Fighting Irish won national championships in 1943, 1946, 1947, 1966, 1973, and 1977. Notre Dame's most recent national championship came in 1987.

Irish football is a tough ticket. Notre Dame's home games at Notre Dame Stadium are regularly sellouts, and the Fighting Irish's games are televised on national television.

Here are some of the most notable Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players:

• Knute Rockne (head coach, 1918-1930)
• George Gipp (halfback, 1917-1919)
• Johnny Lujack (quarterback, 1943-1947; Heisman Trophy winner in 1947)
• Paul Hornung (halfback, 1951-1954; Heisman Trophy winner in 1956)
• Joe Montana (quarterback, 1974-1978)
• Jerome Bettis (running back, 1988-1992)
• Tim Brown (wide receiver, 1984-1988)
• Raghib "Rocket" Ismail (wide receiver, 1988-1989)
• Jeff Samardzija (quarterback, 2005-2006; Major League Baseball All-Star)
• Manti Te'o (linebacker, 2009-2012)
• Kyle Rudolph (tight end, 2008-2011)
• Quenton Nelson (guard, 2015-2017)

The University of Notre Dame football might just be the most storied of all. It is packed to the brim with legendary coaches, players and plays that make Fighting Irish football a team for all ages.

Take a deep dive into the history and origins of the top gridiron teams and programs at the collegiate level. We celebrate the game of American football right from its roots. The concept started with youngsters of different schools competing against each other and the game at that level still thrives.

College football – a tapestry woven from roaring stadiums, electrifying plays, and passionate rivalries. But beyond the spectacle, lies the beating heart of the sport: the college football programs themselves. Each one, a unique ecosystem of tradition, strategy, and vibrant personalities, shaping the future of the game and inspiring generations of fans. In this series, we'll delve deep into these programs, exploring their storied histories, iconic figures, and the intricate dance of coaching philosophies and player development that shapes their triumphs and challenges. So, grab your jersey, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the captivating world of college football programs, where legends are forged, dynasties built, and every Saturday becomes a battleground for gridiron glory!