Notre Dame In The NFL: Former Irish Players on NFC 53-Man Rosters

The NFC features an abundance of former Notre Dame stars across a variety of position groups.

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Notre Dame is well-represented across NFL rosters, but the NFC edges out the AFC in terms of quantity. The race for quality is close, as both conferences boast current All-Pros and players who could potentially reach the Hall of Fame by the end of their careers.

Let’s take a look at the former Notre Dame stars who made NFL opening week rosters, and you can decide for yourself which conference takes the cake.

Notre Dame in the NFL: Former Irish Players on AFC 53-Man Rosters

Notre Dame Football Players in the NFL

NFC East

The NFC East boasts significantly more representation than its AFC counterpart, with the only team lacking a former Notre Dame player being the Philadelphia Eagles.

New York Giants

Cornerback - Nick McCloud

Washington Commanders

Defensive End - Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Practice Squad - Defensive Tackle, Sheldon Day, Quarterback, Sam Hartman

Dallas Cowboys

Kicker - Brandon Aubrey
Linebacker - Marist Liufau
Right Guard - Zack Martin

Look at that, Marist Liufau starting linebacker for the Cowboys. https://t.co/bLfwFIXiIM

— Greg Flammang (@greg2126) September 4, 2024

NFC North

The only team in the NFC North without a former Notre Dame player on its roster is the Green Bay Packers. However, we'll cut them some slack since their head coach, Matt LaFleur, is a former Notre Dame quarterback coach.

Chicago Bears

Tight End - Cole Kmet
Practice Squad - Long snapper, Scott Daly

Minnesota Vikings

Safety - Harrison Smith
Defensive Tackle - Jerry Tillery

Detroit Lions

Safety - Brandon Joseph
Tight End - Brock Wright
Practice Squad - Defensive Tackle, Chris Smith

Brandon Joseph is coming along nicely. Had the pick last night.

Now watch him be physical in the run game. pic.twitter.com/IgFvIE2WSs

— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) August 9, 2024

NFC South

All four teams in the NFC South have at least one former Notre Dame player on the 53-man roster.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Center - Robert Hainsey

New Orleans Saints

Defensive End - Isaiah Foskey
Kicker - Blake Grupe
Practice Squad - Wide Receiver, Kevin Austin Jr., Wide Receiver, Equanimeous St. Brown

Carolina Panthers

Long Snapper - JJ Jansen
Tight End - Tommy Tremble

Atlanta Falcons

Linebacker - JD Bertrand
Practice Squad - Defensive End, Khalid Kareem

Aug 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker JD Bertrand (40) after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

NFC West

All four teams in the NFC West feature exactly one former Notre Dame player on their rosters. The Arizona Cardinals are the only team without a Notre Dame player on their 53-man roster. Among the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, each team has one prominent Irish player making an impact.

Los Angeles Rams

Running Back - Kyren Williams

Seattle Seahawks

Safety - Julian Love

San Francisco 49ers

Left Guard - Aaron Banks

Arizona Cardinals

Practice Squad - Defensive End, Julian Okwara

Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) plays catch with fans in the stands before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images