Ex-Notre Dame football defender gives update after terrifying health issues

Former Notre Dame football linebacker Nolan Ziegler continues on his road to recovery. It turns out the fact that he’s recovering at all and plans on playing football this fall is just one of the reasons Ziegler’s is a feel good story. Even if it’s not a feel good story that will involve the Fighting Irish from here on out.

The former Golden Domer, who transferred to Central Michigan this winter, gave an update on his return on social media earlier this week. In the process, he shed a bit more light on the “mental health struggles” that kept him off the field in 2024.

Former Notre Dame football star shines light on recovery

Ziegler didn’t need to write a long tweet. Instead he allowed a short caption and a video show what he was talking about. The video showed him lifting weights, presumably getting ready for the season ahead.

“15 months post brain infection,” he captioned the tweet. “315 lbs.”

The next step will be putting on pads and practicing for his new team. When he does, it’s clear Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain knows he’s got a special player.

Nolan Ziegler has Central Michigan excited for his addition this fall

"Once he is back, obviously, you know, he is one of the best players," McElwain told a Grand Rapids television station this spring. "He can really run. Right now, it is just a matter of trying to get him back out here and get him acclimated into the way we do things."

"He is a guy that we always knew about," McElwain continued, "Obviously the transition for him, and being a little closer to home here. His familiarity with us I think helped."

One of the most interesting things about the journey the former Notre Dame football star will take is that he’s going to play both offense and defense for the Chippewas. He will get reps at both linebacker and wide receiver.