Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison balancing spring football and lacrosse
Notre Dame Wide Receiver Jordan Faison: Balancing Spring Football and Lacrosse
When you think of student-athletes at Notre Dame, you might immediately envision players who are dominant on the football field or at the heart of NCAA basketball battles. However, there are few athletes at the university who are juggling two distinct sports with the same level of commitment and success as wide receiver Jordan Faison. Faison, a standout player for the Fighting Irish football team, has made a name for himself not only for his incredible skills on the gridiron but also for his remarkable ability to balance the demands of both football and lacrosse, two sports that require vastly different skill sets, training regimens, and mental approaches.
Faison’s decision to pursue both football and lacrosse at the collegiate level is not only a testament to his athletic versatility but also his work ethic, determination, and love for competition. As he navigates the spring semester, a time when both football’s spring practices and the lacrosse season overlap, Faison’s commitment to both sports has been put to the test in ways few can imagine.
The Dual-Sport Athlete
To most people, playing two sports at the collegiate level seems like an impossible feat. Each sport demands an incredible amount of time, physical endurance, and mental focus. Football, especially at the competitive level of Notre Dame, requires an in-depth understanding of complex plays, physical conditioning, and technical skills, while lacrosse demands agility, speed, hand-eye coordination, and mental toughness.
For Faison, excelling in both sports means that his days are often packed with training, practice, and games that leave little room for downtime. Despite these challenges, Faison has embraced the grind, understanding that balancing two sports is both a privilege and a test of his time management skills.
“There’s never really an off day for me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Faison said. “I love both sports, and I love the challenge of being the best I can be in both. It’s hard, it’s tiring, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
Football has always been Faison’s primary focus, especially as a wide receiver at Notre Dame. Yet, lacrosse has been a huge part of his life for years. Growing up, he excelled at both sports, which eventually led him to make the decision to continue playing both during his college years. The combination of the two sports is a rare feat at the NCAA level, with very few athletes managing to balance the two without sacrificing one of them. However, Faison has become a prime example of how it’s possible to thrive in multiple disciplines if the athlete is willing to put in the work.
Spring Practice: The Double-Edged Sword
Spring football practices are intense, often focused on refining skills, developing chemistry, and preparing for the upcoming season. At Notre Dame, spring practice involves a variety of drills, scrimmages, and film sessions, all designed to give players a competitive edge for the next season. For a wide receiver like Faison, it’s a time to work on route running, catching, blocking, and improving his overall understanding of the offense.
At the same time, the lacrosse season is in full swing. Lacrosse practices and games require their own set of skills, including conditioning, stick work, defensive strategies, and offensive schemes. While both sports require agility and fitness, the physical demands are different—football requires bursts of power and explosive movements, while lacrosse requires constant motion and endurance. The transition from one sport to another is mentally and physically taxing, as Faison is constantly switching between the mindsets needed to excel in each sport.
“The hardest part is the mental transition,” Faison explained. “Football requires you to think about specific plays and matchups, while lacrosse is all about flow and quick reactions. It can be challenging, especially when I’m switching between practices. My brain has to make the jump from thinking about football schemes to thinking about lacrosse plays, and that can be exhausting.”
Faison’s spring schedule is packed, with football practices in the morning and lacrosse practices in the afternoon. On game days, his schedule becomes even more hectic, often requiring him to show up to the football field one day, only to rush to the lacrosse field the next. The time commitment for both sports is intense, and Faison has had to learn how to optimize his time effectively, balancing the demands of training, schoolwork, and recovery.
“It’s all about prioritizing and making the most of every minute,” he said. “I have to plan out my day carefully. Recovery is also a huge part of it, and I have to make sure I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy.”
Finding Balance
Balancing two Division I sports is no easy task, especially at a university like Notre Dame, which has one of the most rigorous academic programs in the country. In addition to his athletic responsibilities, Faison must also keep up with his coursework, attend classes, and participate in study sessions. For him, time management is key.
Faison has developed a routine that allows him to balance all aspects of his life, from sports to academics. Mornings are typically dedicated to football practice, followed by meetings and study time. After a short break for lunch, he shifts gears to lacrosse practice, then returns home to review notes, complete assignments, or meet with tutors if necessary. His evenings are often filled with rest, but recovery work such as stretching, ice baths, or physical therapy is essential for maintaining his body’s condition.
“You learn quickly that time management is the key,” Faison said. “You can’t afford to waste time. It’s all about making sure that every part of your day has a purpose.”
His teammates in both football and lacrosse have been supportive of Faison’s dual-sport commitment. The coaches, recognizing his passion for both sports, have worked together to create a schedule that allows him to participate fully in both sports. They understand that Faison’s ability to contribute to each team’s success is not just about physical ability—it’s about being a valuable member of the team who can provide leadership and energy.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize just how much Jordan does,” said his football coach, Marcus Freeman. “He’s not just a wide receiver for us. He’s also a key contributor on the lacrosse team. The way he handles everything is impressive. His commitment to both sports is something that really stands out.”
The Benefits of Dual-Sport Participation
While balancing football and lacrosse is undoubtedly a challenge, Faison has found that playing two sports at a high level has had significant benefits. Both sports complement each other in ways that help him become a better athlete overall. The agility and quick reflexes required in lacrosse have made Faison a more nimble and explosive receiver on the football field, while his physical conditioning in football has improved his endurance and strength for lacrosse.
“Lacrosse has definitely helped me with my footwork and conditioning for football,” Faison said. “The constant movement, the quick changes in direction, and the fast pace of lacrosse have made me more agile as a wide receiver. And football has made me more powerful on the lacrosse field, especially when it comes to taking hits or getting into a physical battle in front of the goal.”
The mental toughness gained from playing both sports has also been invaluable for Faison. The ability to compartmentalize his focus, quickly switch between roles, and stay sharp in high-pressure situations has translated well to both sports. It’s a mental adaptability that many athletes struggle with, but one that Faison has mastered.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Faison
As Faison progresses through his collegiate career, the question remains whether he will continue to pursue both sports at the professional level. While it’s not common for athletes to pursue dual-sport careers in the pros, Faison’s ability to excel in both football and lacrosse has captured the attention of coaches and scouts alike.
“I’m focused on my time at Notre Dame right now,” Faison said. “I want to help both teams win and give everything I’ve got to my teammates and my coaches. Whatever happens after that, I’ll be ready to handle it. Right now, I’m just living in the moment.”
For Faison, the future is bright—whether on the football field, the lacrosse field, or both. His ability to balance the demands of two high-level sports at a prestigious academic institution is a testament to his discipline, determination, and work ethic. No matter where his journey takes him, one thing is clear: Jordan Faison is a student-athlete who has mastered the art of balance and is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
