Notre Dame G Steve Elmer forgoes final season of eligibility

After interning in Washington, D.C., Steve Elmer will forego his NCAA eligibility to focus on his job after college.

Notre Dame junior guard Steve Elmer has announced his decision to forego his final year of NCAA eligibility and leave the Fighting Irish football program to pursue a job in Washington, D.C., the university announced.

“While playing football for Notre Dame has been nothing short of an honor, I have been presented with an incredible opportunity to pursue a career doing something in which I have great interest, and at a great company to boot,” Elmer said in his letter.

“The experience of balancing Notre Dame’s academic rigors with my football commitments has given me a great foundation for my next endeavor,” Elmer continued. “I will graduate from Notre Dame this May and start my professional journey this summer in the Washington, D.C. area.”

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Elmer started all 13 games for Notre Dame in the 2014 and ’15 seasons. He finishes his career with 37 consecutive games started.

Last year, Elmer served as a Congressional intern under Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan.

“Notre Dame is a special place that develops unique and talented people. Steve Elmer is such a person,” head coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. “He chose Notre Dame to earn a degree from the top University in the world and play football at the highest level. He’s accomplished both and so much more.”

- Christopher Chavez