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Notre Dame’s NFL Sons: The Lineage Behind The Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s upcoming roster is packed with NFL lineage, featuring seven players whose fathers competed at the professional level, including three Hall of Famers and four Super Bowl winners. This group of recruits—led by wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr., son of Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis—brings a mix of proven pedigree and high expectations.

Bettis Jr. has already shown progress, increasing his yardage per reception from 6 yards in 2025 to an average of 23 yards this season, while Elijah Burress (son of Plaxico Burress) and freshman Devin Fitzgerald (son of Larry Fitzgerald) add depth and speed to the offense.

Their professional upbringings instill a disciplined work ethic, aligning with head coach Marcus Freeman’s emphasis on accountability and excellence. The Fighting Irish’s strategy of recruiting sons of NFL stars reflects a long-term commitment to building a championship-caliber program, where talent and resilience go hand in hand.

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