There was a time when Notre Dame football was considered one of the villains of the sport. However, times they are a changin’.
The latest sign of this might be that ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler is making it very clear that despite years-long claims that he has something against the Fighting Irish, the broadcasting legend doesn’t harbor any ill will toward the South Bend denizens. In fact, it turns out he’s got quite a bit of respect for Marcus Freeman and company.
“I don’t know what they base it on,” Fowler said about the people claiming he hates Notre Dame football. “If you love the sport, you love and respect the tradition of Notre Dame. I’ve said that for a long time … we don’t have a chance to call their home games, obviously, for a long time. We called road games, obviously, in some big spots.”
Notre Dame football getting more love
Fowler doubled down on claims that he has something against the Irish.
“It couldn’t be farther from the truth. I think the experience of being around this Notre Dame team is joyful, actually. I like Marcus Freeman a lot.”
“These Notre Dame players are very easy to root for. (How) can you get to know (quarterback) Riley (Leonard) and some of these guys and not feel like you want them to succeed?”
The ESPN personality also said that most people base the idea that he dislikes the Fighting Irish based on the way he calls the game.
“If you make big plays in big games, it doesn’t mean I love you. It just means I’m doing my job. If I get excited about the other teams doing things in a big game, it doesn’t mean I hate you. It’s the same thing.”
Finally, Fowler said that Notre Dame football fans should expect the broadcast to be right down the middle.
“We will call it 100% fair.”