NOTRE DAME, Ind. — University of Notre Dame football All-American Louis Nix III passed away in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 29. The winner of Notre Dame’s Moose Krause Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, Nix led the Irish to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.
During the Irish’s 2012 undefeated regular season, Nix was an impact player who helped anchor the defensive front. He started 11-of-13 games, and led all Notre Dame defensive linemen with 50 tackles. He ranked fourth on the team with 7.5 tackles-for-loss and added 2.0 sacks. Additionally, Nix posted a team-high five pass breakups and recorded five tackles (all solo) in BCS National Championship Game versus Alabama, including 2.0 TFLs against the Crimson Tide.
Following his All-American junior season, Nix entered his senior year on both the Maxwell and Bednarik Award Watch Lists. In his final season in South Bend, Nix started each of the first seven games in 2013, but then played (and started) only one of the final six games due to a knee injury. He recorded 27 tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage, and added a pair of pass breakups.
Affectionately known as “Irish Chocolate” or “Big Lou,” Nix had a breakout sophomore season after not seeing any game action as a freshman in 2010. In his second season playing for the Irish, he started 11-of-13 games at nose guard, collecting 45 tackles, including 4.5 tackles-for-loss.
A four-star prospect, Nix chose to attend Notre Dame after a stellar high school career at Raines High School in Jacksonville, where he was tabbed a SuperPrep All-American and was selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game.
A third-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, Nix played three seasons in the NFL. He was on the 2014 roster for the Texans, before suiting up for the New York Giants (2015), Washington Football Team (2016) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2016).
In May 2014, Nix earned his Notre Dame degree in film, television and theatre from the College of Arts and Letters. He is survived by his parents Louis Nix and Stephanie Wingfield.
Remembering “Big Lou”
Louis Nix, “Irish Chocolate,” we carry these memories until we see you again 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ndTZ9DeaQP
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) February 28, 2021
I’ve typed and deleted so much tonight. there aren’t a lot of good words for these situations. we’ve had too many of them this young. Big Lou was so many bright, wonderful things. RIP. love up your people. https://t.co/xD7fH7MlW9
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) February 28, 2021
Devastating. Rest In Peace, Big Lou. Always wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face. Glad I got to share some unforgettable moments with you. You will be greatly missed☘️ 🐢 pic.twitter.com/OI6ECURdSL
— Romeo Okwara (@RomeoND45) February 28, 2021
Just one of a million smiles Lou brought to the world pic.twitter.com/LBDMDJYkiG
— Jac Collinsworth (@JacCollinsworth) February 28, 2021
Loving, caring, funny, energetic and just a guy everyone loved being around. Love you bro and we’ll all miss you. RIP big Louis Nix pic.twitter.com/wsPyg3r8RI
— Michael Floyd (@MichaelMFloyd) February 28, 2021
Heartbreaking. Big Lou was one of the rarest human beings. Such a great dude that always had a good spirit and gave the whole team nothing but laughs. We will all miss you Lou. Prayers to his family.
To all my ND brothers If you ever need anything even just to talk. I’m here. https://t.co/MKqZ1qaC2w
— Jonas Gray Sr. (@jgray_ND25) February 28, 2021
Awful news 😔 an amazing guy. Praying for his family 🙏🏼 https://t.co/B2Szs7mkhS
— Michaela Mabrey (@mmabrey23) February 28, 2021
God broke the mold when He made @1irishchocolate. My heart hurts for Big Lou, his family, and every life he touched. Forever one of my favorite recruits turned ND legends and moreover friends #RIPBigLou #FightingIrishFamily pic.twitter.com/ezC0LUoew9
— Jaz Johnson (@JazJohnson425) February 28, 2021
Heartbreaking. Rip Louis 🙏🏼. https://t.co/RmyZz7HT0L
— Ian Book (@Ian_Book12) February 28, 2021
Heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Big Lou☘️🙏🏽
— DT (@DTranquill) February 28, 2021
— ND —