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Irish in the NFL: The Top 5 NFL Careers among Notre Dame Football Alumni

By Daniel Morrison

49ers defensive end Bryant Young on the sidelines as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Houston Texans in overtime by a score of 20 to 17 at Monster Park, San Francisco, California, January 1, 2006. (Photo by Robert B. Stanton/NFLPhotoLibrary)
49ers defensive end Bryant Young on the sidelines as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Houston Texans in overtime by a score of 20 to 17 at Monster Park, San Francisco, California, January 1, 2006. (Photo by Robert B. Stanton/NFLPhotoLibrary) /
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Notre Dame football has put its fair share of players in the NFL. Which Irish alumni have had the best careers in professional football?

As the proud owner of Jimmy Clausen and Blake Bortles jerseys, I know that not all of your favorite players go on to Hall of Fame careers. That’s the unfortunate truth of players making the jump to the NFL. The game is more involved, and some players don’t transition well. In recent years, it seems all Notre Dame football quarterbacks have fallen in this category.

On the other hand, other players shock everyone. Players no one gave a chance to in college can take the NFL by storm. Everyone knows that Tom Brady was a back-up, primarily, at Michigan, to Drew Stenson. That, of course, happens all the time in the NFL. The ‘stud’ player busts, and the practice squad player dominates.

Given Notre Dame’s long, and prestigious history, the Irish have sent a ton of players to the NFL. In its history, Notre Dame football has sent 560 players to the NFL. Among those 560 are plenty of Hall of Fame talents and plenty of busts.

Lately, the Irish have sent a ton of offensive line talent to the NFL. Quinton Nelson is probably the best known of those recently drafted linemen. If Nelson’s rookie year is any indication, then he may well be one of the next Hall of Fame players to come out of Notre Dame. Along with this offensive line talent, has been a sprinkling of great defensive players. Harrison Smith is one of the games best safeties, and with a few more great seasons, Smith has a chance to make a push for Canton.

That being said, these five are the five best Irish alumni of all time to go on to have stellar NFL careers.

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