Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser Sets Record Behind Gritty Effort
Jack Kiser made history on Saturday night as he played in game No. 63 for the Fighting Irish. No other Notre Dame player has played in more games in the blue and gold as Kiser broke Houston Griffith’s record of 62 games set from 2018-2022.
The record really wasn’t a goal for the Indiana native, and in typical fashion, Kiser made sure to point out his village, which helped him play 63 games (and counting) for the Irish.
“It’s not easy,” stated Kiser. “There’s a lot of people that go into me stepping on the field 63 times. The trainers, family, teammates, strength coaches, coaches in general. That’s the best thing about this record. It’s not a me thing, it’s a we thing.
“Being able to suit up and go on the field to play with your brothers is really important. Growing up an hour away, Notre Dame is a super special place. To allow people to join in the experience with me from back home has been a big honor.”
Saturday also provided a short trip down memory lane for Kiser as a couple of his former teammates were in the building for the 35-14 win over Virginia.
“I know Robert Hainsey got put on the screen today and guys were like, ‘Who’s that,” laughed Kiser. “I was on scout team against him. It was really cool to see him come back and get up there. (Ian) Book was back today and I know Sam (Hartman) was back. Seeing those guys come back and knowing I got to play with them and I was part of their story and they were part of my story is really special.”
Kiser led Notre Dame’s defense to an impressive night as the Irish forced five turnovers, including picking off Virginia starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea three times in the first half.
The turnovers were extremely needed and provided a bolt of momentum to Notre Dame Stadium after some strange officiating.
“It’s a lot of fun when you can have a lot of havoc on the ball,” Kiser said. “Certainly, we were able to do that, and guys were flying around. Guys were seeing their keys, recognizing stuff and making plays. It makes playing ball a lot of fun. It makes you hungry to get back out there. When a short series happens, you want to get right back on the field. We were flying around and having a lot of fun tonight.“
Early in the fourth quarter, Kiser demonstrated why he’s played in 63 games and how he’s developed respect from the entire Notre Dame program.
Kiser blitzed on third down but was chopped at the line of scrimmage. Instead of quitting on the play, Kiser bounced up and sacked Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett to force a punt.
“Anytime you step on the field at Notre Dame Stadium, you’re going to go all out,” Kiser explained. “That mindset doesn’t change. Knowing this is the type of player I am and this defense is, you don’t stop on a play. You don’t quit on a play.
“I’m glad I could finish it this week. Last week, I didn’t get to finish the sack. That was big-time for me to get that one back.”
The high effort and maturity have been there since the first day Kiser walked on Notre Dame’s campus. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman saw it immediately when he took over the Irish linebacker room in 2021.
”Jack is special to me because he’s the only player in this program I had the chance to be his position coach,” Freeman explained. “To see his growth as a football player and a leader over these four years, we’ve been together has been tremendous. He is truly a Notre Dame man. He’s a guy who grew up here in Indiana. He’s really reached his full potential.
“When I think about individuals who reach their full potential, Jack Kiser has definitely done that. He’s been an unbelievable leader and made this place better. He’s going to leave this place better than he found it.”
As for the elephant in the room, Kiser and Notre Dame know they are in the middle of the College Football Playoff race, but they also know it can’t be a distraction as it can be lost if their minds drift.
“You have to block it out,” said Kiser. “It’s one game, one life. One play, one life. The next two games are the biggest stretch of our lives. You gotta go all in no matter what. The future is uncertain. Whatever happens, happens.
“Knowing that you didn’t leave anything behind and you did everything you could has to be the mindset. We’ve been staying on defense, all chips in. That’s just the mindset we have every day when we come to work on a Tuesday or Wednesday. You have to be ready to give it your all because you don't know what the future holds.”
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