Notre Dame football great ready to strap on the pads for Marcus Freeman

While Marcus Freeman has had his fair share of detractors at times this season, one Notre Dame football great is ready to play for the current head coach.

Certainly, people are a bit happier with Freeman following the blowout win over USC. However, even before that victory, there was at least one former Notre Dame football star that was ready to help out any way he could. Even if that meant putting on the pads and helmet for the Fighting Irish one more time.

Ahead of the USC game, former Notre Dame football defensive lineman Justin Tuck had a short conversation with On3’s Tyler Horka. In that conversation, Tuck said that he was quite fired up for the game against the Trojans. But he’s also just fired up to play for Freeman whenever he’s needed.

"“I tell Coach Freeman all the time, I still got one year of eligibility and if you ever need me to come play third downs, this would be the game for me to do it.”"

Before the win over USC, it sure seemed as though Notre Dame football could have used some more pass-rusher help. However, after posting six sacks of Caleb Williams on Saturday, the defensive line looks slightly better.

Notre Dame football great shows Marcus Freeman buy-in

Tuck’s comments, obviously said in jest, does show that while some have a problem with the job Freeman has done so far, others believe he’s the man for the job.

It’s a shame that Tuck can’t strap on the pads for the Fighting Irish again. Back in 2004, the defensive lineman was named the 2004 Notre Dame football MVP after recording six sacks and holding the school record at the time for sacks in a career with 24.5 in just three seasons.

Tuck also recorded 43 tackles for loss, 164 total tackles, and seven passes broken up during his days in South Bend.

After leaving Notre Dame football, the defender played 11 seasons in the NFL, amassing 66.5 career sacks including a career-high 12 in 2008 for the New York Giants.