Notre Dame and Allstate Build On Blue-Gold Game Tradition With Military Families

By Justin O’Neal

Two years ago, Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman had a desire for the Notre Dame football team and campus community to embrace the local youth at a greater level than before. His leadership and Notre Dame’s partnership with Allstate allowed the entire student body of St. Adalbert Catholic School to be invited to the annual Blue-Gold game in 2023. 

On that day, a tradition was created. This past Saturday, April 12, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish continued this tradition in a special way.

For this year’s 94th edition of the Blue-Gold Game presented by Meijer, Coach Freeman led Notre Dame in its annual community initiative with Allstate by focusing on local families of military veterans. The families were invited to the game where they would enjoy a good-natured showdown between the Irish offense and defense, as well as other benefits to ensure it would be a full experience to remember. 

The day began with a meet and greet with the Irish football players and Coach Freeman.

The team stopped to show their gratitude to the kids during their pre-game tradition of walking to Notre Dame Stadium. They took pictures, signed autographs, and took time to get to know the kids on a personal level.

Superstar running back Jeremiyah Love was especially appreciative, as he made sure to sign an autograph for every single child in the group.

“We’re really proud of Notre Dame and its continued connection to veterans and families, recognizing our service,” said one of the veterans, “It’s important to know that the military veteran community is a part of the Notre Dame community.” 

For the duration of the game, the families were placed in reserve seating directly beside the player tunnel. The kids got to cheer and scream as the football team put on a show, and were also given special recognition on the Notre Dame Stadium video board.

When the clock hit zero, the kids were then invited onto the field for one final treat. The parents were able to observe a great moment  as their children were welcomed with open arms by the football team, coming together as one big family to sing the alma mater. 

“It was very special,” said a veteran from the group, “Our kids have to sacrifice so much because of the choices we as veterans make. To be able to give back to my kids in this way is something I’m very proud of.” When the children were asked what they enjoyed most about the day, one child said, “Getting to meet Jeremiyah Love and Marcus Freeman was awesome. That was my favorite part!”

In partnership with Allstate, Notre Dame set out to make an impact on these young people’s lives in a positive way. “We wanted to give the kids a look behind the scenes,” said Michael Labbe, assistant director of military affairs at Notre Dame, “ultimately, the goal was to give them an unforgettable experience that they could always treasure.” It is safe to say that they delivered. This tradition will continue into the future, creating heart-warming memories that further strengthen the bond between the Fighting Irish football team, the University of Notre Dame and the community in and around South Bend, Indiana.