Notre Dame DE Khalid Kareem Thanked by Mike Elston

It's graduation weekend at Notre Dame and while the University Commencement Ceremony will be online instead of on-campus, the football program is making sure its graduates are recognized. 

Notre Dame has started to release videos for each graduate and as their position coach writes a letter to them.

Yes, some will be back in 2020, but it doesn't change the fact they are getting recognized for likely the biggest accomplishment of their life. 

Defensive line coach Mike Elston took the time to write a letter to defensive end and former Notre Dame captain Khalid Kareem. 

Hey Lid, 

It's Coach Elston. I know Detroit isn't that far from South Bend, but when you came to Notre Dame four years ago, you found yourself in a whole new world. 

You made it a world you could thrive in. I will never forget the way you played the game and the physical sacrifice you gave your team your senior year. You left your mark on Notre Dame football with your leadership and character on and off the field. And now you've earned a degree from the University of Notre Dame. 

I want you to know I'm proud of you and admire the man you've become. I can't wait to watch you on Sunday afternoons. 

Congratulations, Lid. 

The 6-foot-4, 262-pounder played in 43 games for Notre Dame and made 26 starts over his career. 

Kareem finished his time in South Bend with 108 tackles, 26.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, eight passes deflected, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. 

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Kareem with the first pick of the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft last month. 

Kareem earned his degree from the Mendoza College of Business with a major in Management Consulting and a minor in Studio Art.