The definitive Notre Dame football all-time Lou Holtz team
player. 51. . LB. Los Angeles Rams. Frank Stams. 45
Notre Dame football all-time Lou Holtz team LB: Frank Stams
1989 NFL Draft: Round 2, Pick 45
Los Angeles Rams, 1989–1991
Cleveland Browns, 1992–1995
Kansas City Chiefs, 1995
Before LeBron James ever became “The Chosen One” at St. Vincent-St. Mary, Frank Stams was leading the Akron, Ohio Fighting Irish to back-to-back state championships. This set the stage for a Notre Dame Fighting Irish career in which the 240-pounder was a consensus All-American and a national champion.
While Stams never achieved the same individual or team success in the NFL, he did stick around the pro ranks for seven years.
. LB. Miami Dolphins. Wesley Pritchett. 147. player. 59
Notre Dame football all-time Lou Holtz team LB: Wesley Pritchett
1989 NFL Draft: Round 6, Pick 147
Miami Dolphins, 1989
Buffalo Bills, 1989-1990
Atlanta Falcons, 1991
Wes Pritchett was one of the integral members of the Notre Dame defense during their national championship season in 1988, leading the team in tackles and being named an All-American that season.
While Pritchett’s NFL career was largely forgettable, spending less than two seasons on three different teams before leaving the sport altogether and becoming a financial advisor, his time in South Bend will never be forgotten.
Devon McDonald. 107. player. 46. . LB. Indianapolis Colts
Notre Dame football all-time Lou Holtz team LB: Devon McDonald
1993 NFL Draft: Round 4, Pick 107
Indianapolis Colts, 1993–1995
Arizona Cardinals, 1996
Tampa Bay Storm, 2000–2002
Devon McDonald was a team captain during an era of Notre Dame football in which many leaders went on to become great in the NFL. McDonald was a Cotton Bowl MVP and an All-American Honorable Mention during his career in South Bend.
As another great Fighting Irish prospect who didn’t replicate the same success, McDonald is a Notre Dame legend all the same.