For more than 80 years, senior football players at the University of Notre Dame have walked down the north tunnel onto the field for the last time in their college careers. It happens again this Saturday, when the Irish host Wake Forest, with a perfect season on the line.
Manti Te’o: The heart and soul of Notre Dame’s defense
But it seems fair to say that rarely have the fans in the Stadium stands felt so intense a bond with one of the ND seniors.
Manti Te’o, through his extraordinary spirit, leadership, persistence and faith, has come to represent the very best of being a Notre Dame football player.
Here’s how several fans put it, in response to the stirring “Strong of Heart” video feature on Manti:
“The true definition of a leader in every sense of the word. He embodies all the reasons I’m drawn to Notre Dame as a program. I’m so thankful for everything Manti has done for Notre Dame; it’s been an absolute privilege to follow his career. When you think of the phrase ‘We Are ND’ I get immense pride knowing Manti is a part of this family.”
“I have been a Notre Dame fan my entire life, but I have never seen a more inspirational player than Manti Te’o. He just embodies everything that Notre Dame represents. There will never be another like him.”
“The greatest young man to ever walk through that tunnel at Notre Dame. The young man really gets it; it’s inspiring and amazing. He’s not just a football player, he is everything Notre Dame represents. We are all blessed to have him for four years; we love him and will be in his corner and a fan of Manti Te’o for life.”
Service. Faith. Other-centered. All are central to Manti’s Notre Dame experience.
Manti explains it well when he says, “When I go out of that tunnel, when I walk through this locker room, and when I put on that jersey, I think of all the people who have come before me. The pride and tradition of Notre Dame is very much alive, and that’s what makes this experience so special.”
Under Manti, Notre Dame’s history and tradition have become not burdens casting a large shadow over the present team, but a source of strength to draw upon, an inspiration that motivates one to become one’s best self. The next step is to pass that special feeling on to those who follow you.
In that way, Notre Dame – as a football team, as a university – will show the effects of Manti Te’o for years to come.
Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank you very much), Manti!
