Notre Dame's Journey to the 2025 College Football National Championship: A Family's Tribute to a Lifelong Fan

THE CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IS SET

The 2025 College Football National Championship is here, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have made it to the grand stage. For me and my family, this isn’t just another football season—it’s an emotional and deeply personal moment, one that brings joy, pride, and bittersweet memories. This year’s championship run means so much more than wins and trophies; it’s a tribute to my dad, a lifelong Notre Dame fan who passed away in July.

Growing Up with Notre Dame

My dad’s love for Notre Dame football was woven into the fabric of our family. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, he grew up just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Notre Dame Stadium. Saturdays in the fall weren’t just about watching a game; they were about tradition, pride, and community. My dad would often tell stories about hearing the roar of the crowd echoing through the streets and dreaming of playing under the bright lights of the stadium.

He instilled that passion in me and my family. From a young age, I learned that being a Notre Dame fan wasn’t just about supporting a team—it was about embracing a legacy. The gold helmets, the Victory March, Touchdown Jesus—all of it became part of who we are. My dad’s unwavering dedication to the Fighting Irish made every game an event, and every victory felt like a family celebration.

A Bittersweet Season

When my dad passed away this past summer, it left a void in our lives that can never be filled. But as this football season unfolded, Notre Dame’s incredible journey became a source of comfort and connection for our family. Watching the Irish fight their way to the championship felt like my dad was right there with us, cheering from the best seat in the house.

This year, Notre Dame has embodied the spirit that my dad admired so much: resilience, grit, and heart. Led by a talented roster and a coaching staff determined to bring glory back to South Bend, the Irish have played with the kind of passion that would make any fan proud.

The Championship Run

Notre Dame’s path to the National Championship has been nothing short of spectacular. From nail-biting victories to dominant performances, this team has proven they belong among the nation’s best. Key players have stepped up in big moments, and the Fighting Irish’s defense has been a force to be reckoned with. The offense has dazzled with precision and explosive plays, creating memories that will last a lifetime for fans like us.

Every touchdown, every sack, every thrilling win has felt like a tribute to my dad and all the lifelong fans who poured their hearts into this team. For a program steeped in tradition, this championship run is a reminder of why Notre Dame football means so much to so many.

More Than a Game

For my family, this championship run is about more than football. It’s about legacy, connection, and honoring the memory of a man who bled blue and gold. Watching Notre Dame compete for the National Championship is a bittersweet reminder of my dad’s love for the game and the countless Saturdays we spent together cheering for the Irish.

As we gather to watch the championship game, my family and I will carry my dad’s spirit with us. We’ll celebrate every play, every moment, and every memory. This isn’t just Notre Dame’s victory—it’s ours, too. It’s a way to keep my dad’s legacy alive and honor the passion he passed down to us.

Go Irish!

No matter the outcome, this season will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Notre Dame’s journey to the 2025 College Football National Championship is a story of triumph, resilience, and love. It’s a reminder that sports can bring us together, heal us, and keep the memories of our loved ones alive.

So here’s to the Fighting Irish. Here’s to my dad, cheering from above. And here’s to a championship run that has brought joy and meaning to our family when we needed it most.

Go Irish, and thank you for the memories.