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    Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman reveals what it's like being in charge of NFL sons

    By John O'sullivan,

    16 days ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Gvv93_0vasP4tA00

    Notre Dame football's impressive 66-7 thrashing of Purdue last week wasn't just a showcase of the team's prowess but also a display of the NFL legacy within its ranks.

    The defensive line-up boasted names like Howard Cross III and Benjamin Morrison, offspring of former New York Giants tight end Howard Cross and Washington safety Darryl Morrison. But it didn't stop there; four fresh faces also made their mark, each with an NFL heritage to boast about.

    Jordan Clark, an Arizona State grad transfer, and RJ Oben, from Duke, are the children of ex-Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark and former Giants offensive tackle Roman Oben. Meanwhile, freshmen Bryce Young and Kennedy Urlacher, whose fathers are Pro Football Hall of Famers, played significant snaps on defense and special teams, reminding fans of their fathers' glory days with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, reports the South Bend Tribune.

    Marty Biagi, Notre Dame's special teams coordinator and safeties coach, wasn't taken aback by the youngsters' performances: "We weren't surprised at all by KU's play in the game," he said. "The genetics help, and it shows up."

    Even Freeman, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2009, acknowledges the unique bond: "Every once in a while I might hear from them," he shared. "You probably have a different relationship with the fathers that have played in the NFL , that have played the game, because they get it."

    NFL dads differ from the typical stage-managing fathers with their own unfulfilled dreams. "They probably see it from a lens of team glory ... and not individual glory," explained Freeman. "It's not, 'What is my son doing? How can he be better? Why isn't he playing more? ' They text you after the good ones and they text you after the bad ones."

    However, the approach tends to be subtler. "Your phone is quiet a lot of times after the bad ones," noted Freeman. "Some of those guys in the NFL, they get it. They understand. It's really cool."

    Joe Alt, former two-time Notre Dame All-America left tackle and fifth overall pick in the last spring's NFL draft, had an NFL dad, John Alt as well. Notre Dame isn't new to this trend, and the future looks bright.

    Notre Dame's 2025 recruits include sons of NFL greats Jerome Bettis (Jerome Jr. ) and Plaxico Burress (Elijah), both wide receivers.

    "It speaks to the way we've recruited," Freeman said of the phenomenon. "It speaks to this university and the value some of the NFL players see in Notre Dame in terms of the football program, but also the education. It's a great testament to this place."

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