Oct. 28, 2010
Senior tight end Bobby Burger has worked hard to become a member of the Fighting Irish football team. He started his career as a defensive end at the University of Dayton and then transferred to Notre Dame prior to the 2008 campaign. Burger made the team as a walk-on, and earned a scholarship before the 2009 campaign. Last year, Burger played in 10 games as a reserve tight end, totaling 2 catches for 10 yards. Burger is also a key part of the Irish special teams, as he made a total of 103 special teams appearances on the 2009 season. GameDay’s Tom McGuire gives Irish fans a chance to get to know Bobby Burger.
McGuire: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Burger: I like to get out there super early, strech out and then just sit on the sideline benches and just soak in the experience.
McGuire: What song always gets you ready to take the field?
Burger: Right now it’s Kenny Chesney, “The Boys of Fall.”
McGuire: What is your favorite Coach Kelly saying?
Burger: “Pride, work, win.”
McGuire: What’s your earliest football memory?
Burger: I just remember third grade; we had a big car pool. Everyone had all their pads on–your mom had to help you put on your pads–then you took a bus ride with like seven people, emptied out of the car, then put your helmet on and headed out to practice.
McGuire: What TV show do you never miss?
Burger: Modern Family and The League.
McGuire: What’s one thing you would like to see happen before you leave Notre Dame?
Burger: I’d like to leave a lasting legacy and make this the year that sparked Notre Dame’s return to glory.
McGuire: What do you miss most about home?
Burger: My family. I have a great family. I’m very lucky and fortunate to have two great parents, loving grandparents and three younger brothers.
McGuire: North or South Dining Hall?
Burger: Neither. I go with Chipotle at Eddy Street Commons.
McGuire: What’s your favorite thing about playing at Notre Dame?
Burger: I think the tradition and the fans are unbelievable–the whole game day experience is second to none. When you put that gold helmet on, it’s something special.
McGuire: If you could have any job, what would it be?
Burger: I’d want to work for an ethical, successful and growing company. I’d want to have a high position, but also have a balance so that there’s time for both my family and work.
McGuire: What is your favorite memory with one of your teammates?
Burger: Hanging out with all of my WOPU friends.
McGuire: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Burger: There are a couple different ones. I like “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and “Strive to be the best.”
McGuire: When you were younger, what were you always getting in trouble for?
Burger: If I had to say anything, it was probably tracking dirt into the house after playing ball.
McGuire: What one stadium would you like to play in, but haven’t been able to yet?
Burger: I’d like to play in Cincinnati’s stadium because all my friends would be right there and would be able to come to the game. I know it gets pretty loud down there. It’s only 35,000 people, but it’s really close to home and I’ve seen a lot of games there. I’d really like to be able to play there as a college athlete.
McGuire: What is your major, and why does it interest you?
Burger: I’m an economics major. It really allows me to be versatile in the business world.
McGuire: What attracted you to Notre Dame?
Burger: The tradition. My dad played here, and I had two uncles who also walked on and played here. Ever since day one, I sat in the high chair with a Notre Dame bib, fork, and knife, and always hit the “Play Like a Champion” sign. I didn’t get in out of high school, but this has always been a dream of mine. So when I made the decision to transfer and then got in, it was a dream come true.
McGuire: What would your ideal day off consist of?
Burger: I’d lounge around a while, get some work done and stay off my feet.
McGuire: Where is your favorite place to study on campus?
Burger: I love studying on the second floor with Matt Mulvey.
McGuire: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned while playing at Notre Dame?
Burger: No matter how many people from the outside world or previous occurrences tell you no, if you put your mind to it, you can really accomplish great things. You can really achieve things that you had sometimes thought you would have never been able to achieve your whole life.
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