The Most Famous Notre Dame Football Player, Ranked

Choose the player you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 07:44
Debates often arise among sports enthusiasts about who stands out as the most iconic Notre Dame football player. Such discussions inspire passion and pride, highlighting varied opinions and perspectives across different eras of football. Establishing a clear and collective ranking helps bring fans together, offering a comprehensive view of player legacies shaped by performance, impact, and popularity. By participating in voting, fans contribute to a dynamic chart that reflects widespread opinion rather than singular narratives. This process doesn't just acknowledge the stars from a storied past; it continually adjusts to new insights and the evolving accomplishments of current players. Your vote counts in shaping a living tribute to Notre Dame's football history.

Who Is the Most Famous Notre Dame Football Player?

  1. 1
    30
    points
    Paul Hornung

    Paul Hornung

    1956 Heisman Trophy winner known as 'The Golden Boy,' who excelled as a halfback, quarterback, and placekicker.
    • NFL Team: Green Bay Packers
    • NFL MVP: 1961
  2. 2
    17
    points
    Joe Montana

    Joe Montana

    Legendary NFL quarterback who led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1977.
    • NFL Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs
    • Super Bowl Wins: 4
  3. 3
    16
    points
    Jerome Bettis

    Jerome Bettis

    Powerful running back known as 'The Bus,' who had a stellar NFL career primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
    • NFL Teams: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers
    • Super Bowl Win: XL
  4. 4
    14
    points
    Tim Brown

    Tim Brown

    1987 Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver.
    • NFL Team: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 9
  5. 5
    5
    points
    Johnny Lujack

    Johnny Lujack

    1947 Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback who led Notre Dame to three national championships.
    • NFL Team: Chicago Bears
    • College National Championships: 3
  6. 6
    2
    points
    Manti Te'o

    Manti Te'o

    Linebacker who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2012, one of the highest finishes ever for a defensive player.
    • NFL Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears
    • All-American Selections: 3
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Rockne

    Rockne

    Knute Rockne, iconic coach who popularized the forward pass and led Notre Dame to three national championships.
    • Coaching Tenure: 1918-1930
    • Winning Percentage: .881
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Raghib Ismail

    Raghib Ismail

    Electrifying player known as 'Rocket,' who was a Heisman Trophy runner-up and excelled as a wide receiver and kick returner.
    • NFL Teams: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys
    • All-American Selections: 2
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Leon Hart

    1949 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most dominant ends in college football history.
    • NFL Team: Detroit Lions
    • College National Championships: 3
  10. 10
    0
    points
    George Gipp

    George Gipp

    Legendary player known as 'The Gipper,' whose untimely death inspired the famous phrase, 'Win one for the Gipper.'
    • Played: 1917-1920
    • Position: Halfback

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Notre Dame football player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2019 views
  • 84 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Notre Dame Football Player

Paul Hornung
Rank #1 for the most famous Notre Dame football player: Paul Hornung (Source)
Notre Dame has a rich history in college football. The university's football program began in 1887 and has since become one of the most storied teams in the sport. Notre Dame's football players have always stood out. They have achieved great success and have left a lasting impact on the game.

The team's early years saw many talented players. These athletes set the foundation for future success. They played with heart and skill, making a name for themselves and the university. Over the decades, the program grew stronger. Notre Dame's football players became known for their dedication and talent.

The 1920s and 1930s were significant for Notre Dame football. The team gained national attention and respect. Players from this era became legends. They were known for their impressive skills and sportsmanship. These athletes helped Notre Dame win many games and championships. Their legacy still inspires current players.

Notre Dame's football program continued to thrive in the following decades. The 1940s and 1950s were marked by more success and more standout players. These athletes broke records and set new standards for the game. They showed great determination and resilience on the field. Their efforts brought more glory to Notre Dame.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of even more remarkable players. These individuals were known for their incredible talent and leadership. They led the team to many victories and earned numerous accolades. Their contributions to Notre Dame football were significant and long-lasting.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Notre Dame continued to produce exceptional football players. These athletes were known for their hard work and dedication. They helped the team achieve great success and maintain its reputation as a powerhouse in college football. Their achievements were celebrated by fans and the university alike.

The new millennium brought a new generation of talented players to Notre Dame. These athletes continued the tradition of excellence. They worked hard on and off the field, representing the university with pride. Their performances earned them recognition and respect in the world of college football.

Notre Dame football players have always been known for their commitment to the sport and their team. They train hard and strive to improve their skills. They play with passion and determination, always giving their best effort. This dedication has helped Notre Dame maintain its status as a top football program.

The university's football players also excel off the field. They are known for their academic achievements and community involvement. Notre Dame athletes often balance their studies with their sports commitments. They work hard to succeed in both areas, setting a great example for others.

Notre Dame football players have left a lasting impact on the sport. Their achievements and contributions are celebrated by fans and the university. They have helped shape the history of college football and continue to inspire future generations. The legacy of Notre Dame football players is one of excellence, dedication, and success.

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