Notre Dame Football Director Sends four-Word Message to Marcus Freeman and Grads After Remarkable Academic Achievement

In a moment of pride and recognition for the University of Notre Dame football program, Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick sent a succinct yet deeply impactful four-word message to head coach Marcus Freeman and the graduating class of football players: “Proud of you all.”

Though brief, these four words carried an immense amount of weight, resonating deeply with the Notre Dame community, the players, their families, and even the larger world of college athletics. This brief yet powerful statement came after a season of intense academic achievement by the Fighting Irish football program. With their graduation rate among the highest in the nation, Notre Dame continues to prove that it isn’t just a powerhouse on the football field but also in the classroom.

A Tradition of Academic Excellence

Notre Dame’s commitment to its student-athletes has long been rooted in the belief that academic excellence should go hand in hand with athletic success. This year, the Fighting Irish football program once again demonstrated that philosophy with the graduation of a remarkable group of student-athletes, many of whom completed their degrees while maintaining the rigorous demands of Division I football.

Throughout the season, Marcus Freeman and his staff worked not just on developing football players but well-rounded students. Freeman, himself a former student-athlete, has made clear that his vision for Notre Dame football goes beyond simply winning games—he wants his players to leave South Bend with more than just memories of their time on the field.

“We develop men here, not just football players,” Freeman remarked during a recent press conference. “Winning is important, but it’s the lessons learned through the experiences here that will shape these players for the rest of their lives.”

And that philosophy has proven to be successful, as the program continues to maintain one of the highest graduation rates among FBS schools, including a near 100% graduation rate for the players in this year’s graduating class.

The Power of the Message

After the graduation ceremony, which took place at the Notre Dame stadium, the graduating players were honored for their academic achievements. In a simple but powerful moment, Jack Swarbrick, the athletic director, took the stage to offer his congratulations to the players. He took a brief pause, gathered his thoughts, and delivered his four-word message to Freeman and the players.

“Proud of you all.”

It wasn’t a long speech, but it resonated deeply with everyone in the room. The message was simple, yet its meaning was profound. Swarbrick’s words encapsulated a feeling that extended beyond just athletic success. It was about pride in the overall development of these young men who have spent years dedicating themselves not only to football but to their academic futures as well.

The sincerity and power of Swarbrick’s words didn’t go unnoticed. As one of the most respected leaders in college athletics, his approval carries significant weight. And it’s clear that, for Swarbrick, these four words were his way of expressing not just pride, but deep respect for the players’ commitment to both their education and the game.

Marcus Freeman’s Role in Shaping the Program’s Future

Since taking over as head coach of the Fighting Irish, Marcus Freeman has focused heavily on building a program that emphasizes balance. Football is an essential part of the equation, but Freeman has made it clear that the development of his players as young men and future leaders is just as important. Under Freeman’s leadership, the program has placed a significant emphasis on academics and life after football.

Freeman’s approach has resonated with recruits and their families. His leadership style reflects the core values of Notre Dame itself, where academics, athletics, and character development intersect. Freeman, who took over for Brian Kelly in 2022, has kept the focus on building a program rooted in values, respect, and academic integrity.

In a recent interview, Freeman discussed the unique challenges of balancing academics and athletics at a school like Notre Dame:

“It’s tough. The schedule, the commitment to academics, the expectations of the university—it’s all demanding. But these young men rise to the challenge. They excel in the classroom, they excel on the field, and most importantly, they become better people because of it.”

Many players in the 2025 graduating class have pointed to Freeman’s leadership as one of the driving forces behind their success, both on the field and in their academic careers. Freeman works closely with academic advisors and faculty to ensure that players are receiving the support they need to succeed in their studies.

The Class of 2025: Academic Success Meets Athletic Excellence

The 2025 class of Notre Dame football players stands out not only for their football prowess but for their outstanding academic achievements. Several players are graduating with honors, while others have earned advanced degrees or specialized certifications. Some of the more notable graduates include:

• Chris Tyree, a wide receiver who graduated with a degree in political science and a minor in poverty studies. Tyree has been heavily involved in community outreach programs in South Bend.
• J.D. Bertrand, a linebacker who earned a graduate degree in business administration while also starting every game for the Irish in his senior season.
• Sam Hartman, a transfer quarterback who completed a degree in leadership studies while finishing his college career with Notre Dame.
• DJ Brown, a safety who will attend medical school after graduation, having earned a degree in neuroscience.

Each of these players has exemplified what it means to be a true student-athlete, excelling not just on the field but in the classroom as well. These are players who will graduate with skills and experiences that will serve them far beyond the football field.

The Legacy of Notre Dame Football’s Student-Athletes

The legacy of Notre Dame football’s student-athletes is built on a strong foundation of academic and athletic success. As the program continues to recruit top-tier talent, the emphasis on education remains at the forefront of the program’s values. The fact that Notre Dame can consistently maintain a high graduation rate while competing at the highest level of college football speaks volumes about the program’s commitment to its players’ futures.

Jack Swarbrick’s four words were a reflection of the university’s broader mission: to create leaders who are equipped to succeed in every aspect of life. The simple yet impactful message was a reminder that at Notre Dame, success is not only measured in wins on the field but in the lives these young men lead after their playing days are over.

As the football program moves forward under Marcus Freeman’s leadership, it’s clear that the emphasis on academic achievement will remain a central pillar of the program. The Fighting Irish are not just developing elite football players—they are developing elite individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of life beyond football.

Looking to the Future

With the 2025 class now graduated and ready to move on to their next chapters, Notre Dame football is looking to the future. Freeman’s recruiting strategy continues to attract top talent, and the program’s reputation for academic excellence will remain a key selling point for future recruits.

As for Jack Swarbrick’s four-word message—“Proud of you all”—it will undoubtedly be remembered as a hallmark moment in the history of the Notre Dame football program. It encapsulated the pride, respect, and gratitude that the university holds for its student-athletes, while also serving as a reminder of the values that continue to define the program.

In the end, Freeman, Swarbrick, and the Notre Dame football program are committed to one goal: to develop not only the best football players but the best people, equipped to succeed in every aspect of life. The four-word message from Swarbrick was a simple, yet powerful reminder that this vision is being realized.