The Notre Dame Student-Athlete: Sports fans may have an idea of what it takes to play football at a Division I college: the training, the discipline, the pain, the motivation. But most of us have no idea what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at a top academic institution such as Notre Dame.

Being a successful student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame requires more effort than working two full-time jobs: one needs dedication, determination, and a drive to succeed - to be the best both physically and mentally - and to learn and achieve despite the pain, despite the disappointments, and without letting the successes - both on and off the field -inflate your ego.

Echoes From The End Zone: The Men We Became tells the story of 25 former Notre Dame football players:

• the lessons they learned in college, and how those lessons changed their lives: The Notre Dame Value Stream

• their years at Notre Dame

• the end of their football careers

• the new careers and dreams they followed

"My friend and classmate, Lisa Kelly, has done an unbelievable job tracking down some of Notre Dame's greatest characters. Her ability to compile their stories and memories is an accomplishment to be very proud of and celebrated. This is a must read for the Fighting Irish faithful. Well done, LK. Go Irish!"

~Rick Mirer

"The men featured in this book are special individuals and represent all that is great about Notre Dame. These men are significant and they have strived each day to make an impact and difference in all things that they touch. They were and as far as I'm concerned remain Notre Dame student-athletes and I'm proud to have been a part of their lives. Lisa, thank you for your work and sharing with the Notre Dame Family what you so appropriately have named, "Echoes From The End Zone: The Men We Became."

~Lou Holtz