Slap the Sign
Fansided

Writers Picks: The All-Time Notre Dame Football Team

By J.P. Scott

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Heisman finalists linebacker Manti Te'o of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks during a press conference prior to the 78th Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 8, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Heisman finalists linebacker Manti Te'o of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks during a press conference prior to the 78th Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 8, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Notre Dame football
SOUTH BEND, IN – AUGUST 30: The mural at the Hesburgh Library, commonly known as “Touchdown Jesus” is seen on the campus of Notre Dame University before a game between the Norte Dame Fighting Irish and the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on August 30, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

A handful of our writers voted and tossed in their two cents on who they believe belong on the All-Time Notre Dame football team.

Notre Dame football is the most storied program in the history of the college game. As such, the program has seen legendary players come and go for well over a century. When you are sifty through 11 national titles, seven Heisman Trophy winners and 101 consensus All-Americans, choosing the best of the best can be both tedious and dicey.

Our writers were up to the challenge.

Without further ado, here are our picks for the All-Time Notre Dame Football Team.

Head Coach and Special Teams

Coach: Ara Parseghian

Ara led the Irish to two national titles in an era where college football was really starting to get competitive. He made the Irish a national power once again after a couple of decades of mediocrity. (J.P. Scott)

Kick Returner: Rocket Ismail

Quite simply, he was a playmaker. Ismail returned 46 kicks for 1,271 yards and 5 TDs during his career. That comes out to an almost 28 yard per return average. He was by far one of the best kick returners in college football history — just ask Michigan. (Connor McJunkin)

Punt Returner: Allen Rossum

An all around return specialist, Rossum gained 427 yards over two seasons returning punts. His peak season in 1996 included 344 yards and three punt return touchdowns. He’s Notre Dame’s career leader in punt return average. (Sonny Martinez)

Punter: George Gipp

Was he the best pure punter in Notre Dame history? Probably not. But he punted and did it well. The fact of the matter is, he’s probably the greatest athlete who has ever punted in college. Imagine the fake punts you could run with him in 2018. He is the standard for Notre Dame football, and he belongs on this team. (J.P. Scott)

Kicker: John Carney

After a solid career at Notre Dame, Carney became an even better pro (playing over 20 years). In reality, Carney probably isn’t the best kicker in Notre Dame history by the numbers, but he was the staple of consistency for both Irish and professional kickers for many, many years.

Home/Notre Dame Football