Legendary weekend in South Bend. Notre Dame welcomed another elite group of recruits—this time accompanied by their iconic NFL fathers. Among the visitors were Thomas Davis Jr. with his father, longtime Panthers great Thomas Davis Sr.; Devin Fitzgerald, son of Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald; and Kaydon Finley, whose father Jermichael Finley made his mark as a standout tight end with the Packers. The echoes of greatness weren’t just in the stadium—they were walking the sidelines.
The echoes of greatness weren’t just in the stadium at Notre Dame—they were walking the sidelines, shaking hands, laughing with coaches, and envisioning the future of college football. In what’s becoming a new norm for Marcus Freeman’s recruiting weekends, the Fighting Irish once again played host to some of the nation’s top talent. But this time, it wasn’t just the recruits who turned heads. It was their bloodlines. The latest visit brought with it a trio of blue-chip prospects, each bearing not just elite athletic potential but a legacy forged by NFL greatness. Thomas Davis Jr., Devin Fitzgerald, and Kaydon Finley each arrived with names that resonate far beyond the high school football scene, and the buzz that followed them was matched only by the pedigree of the men who raised them—Thomas Davis Sr., Larry Fitzgerald, and Jermichael Finley.
To understand just how big a moment this was for Notre Dame, one only has to look at the resume of the fathers in attendance. Thomas Davis Sr. is one of the most respected defensive players of his era, spending most of his career as a cornerstone linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He’s remembered not just for his talent and toughness—especially his remarkable return from three ACL tears in the same knee—but for his leadership and resilience. Larry Fitzgerald is a name that transcends football entirely. Known as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, Fitzgerald spent his career with the Arizona Cardinals and became the gold standard for professionalism, consistency, and sportsmanship. Then there’s Jermichael Finley, the former Green Bay Packers tight end who brought athleticism and swagger to the position, helping redefine the role of tight end in the modern NFL offense. These men didn’t just play the game—they helped shape it, and now their sons are ready to carve their own paths.
Thomas Davis Jr. is a fast-rising prospect in the linebacker ranks, mirroring much of his father’s physicality and instinct for the game. He plays with an edge, and he’s been praised for his football IQ and versatility on the field. Watching him move in drills, it’s easy to see the DNA at work—his footwork is crisp, his reads are sharp, and his closing speed makes offensive coordinators think twice. But what stands out more than the athletic tools is the way he carries himself. Much like his father, Davis Jr. exudes poise and humility, taking in every coaching point with a level of maturity that’s rare at his age. His presence at Notre Dame was more than symbolic—it was intentional. He wanted to see if South Bend felt like home, and by all accounts, the visit exceeded expectations.
Then there’s Devin Fitzgerald, a wide receiver whose route-running and hands have already earned comparisons to his legendary father. That’s no small feat, considering Larry Fitzgerald’s hands were practically insured by the Cardinals. Devin plays with a grace that’s reminiscent of his dad but with a burst of explosiveness that’s all his own. He understands the nuances of the position—body control, timing, positioning—and his ability to adjust mid-route is elite. Devin’s been coached by greatness since he could walk, and it shows. Yet, like his father, he isn’t resting on the family name. He’s carving out a reputation built on work ethic, quiet confidence, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His time in South Bend gave him a chance to connect with Notre Dame’s offensive staff, absorb the vision for how he might be used in the system, and, just as importantly, experience the culture firsthand.
Kaydon Finley, the third member of this impressive trio, brings a different dimension to the mix. A tight end with a long frame and exceptional ball skills, Kaydon is more than just a product of his environment—he’s a force in his own right. The son of Jermichael Finley has inherited his father’s athleticism and swagger, but he’s adding his own flavor to the game. He’s physical at the point of attack, fluid in the open field, and a nightmare matchup in the red zone. Coaches and scouts have taken notice, and during his visit, he made it clear that he’s not just interested in following in his dad’s footsteps—he’s looking to blaze his own trail. The Notre Dame staff made sure to showcase how they’ve used tight ends in the past, from Kyle Rudolph to Michael Mayer, and emphasized how Finley could be the next in that storied line.
The visit itself was about more than just Xs and Os. It was about family, connection, and legacy. Marcus Freeman and his staff continue to prioritize relationships, and this weekend underscored just how well they’re doing it. For Thomas Davis Sr., Larry Fitzgerald, and Jermichael Finley, the trip to Notre Dame was a chance to witness a program that aligns with the values they’ve spent their lives preaching—discipline, education, accountability, and brotherhood. The university rolled out the red carpet not just because of who these men were in the NFL, but because of what their sons could mean to the future of the program.
There was a shared respect between the coaching staff and these NFL legends. Freeman, himself a former linebacker, had extended conversations with Thomas Davis Sr. about what it takes to develop elite defenders—not just physically but mentally and spiritually. Fitzgerald spoke with offensive staffers about player development, preparation, and the importance of life after football. Finley was candid in conversations about the evolution of the tight end position and how Notre Dame’s system could fit his son’s unique skill set. These weren’t just courtesy chats—they were meaningful exchanges, rooted in a common goal of helping the next generation succeed.
Beyond the meetings and facilities tours, there was a deeper layer to this visit. It was about seeing how the program treats people. The recruits and their parents were impressed by the attentiveness of the staff, the passion of the student body, and the authenticity of the players they interacted with. They weren’t sold on promises—they were drawn to a culture that feels sustainable and real. That’s Marcus Freeman’s biggest win so far. He’s not selling hype; he’s building a foundation.
These visits serve a larger purpose for Notre Dame, too. They signal to the rest of the college football world that the Fighting Irish are not just in the game—they’re commanding attention. When prospects with this kind of pedigree come to town, it turns heads. And when they leave impressed, it sends a message. Notre Dame is no longer just a tradition-rich institution resting on past glories. Under Freeman, it’s a forward-looking, dynamic program that blends elite football with academic excellence and holistic player development.
For the recruits, the weekend was a window into what life could look like at one of the sport’s most iconic programs. For their NFL fathers, it was reassurance that Notre Dame might be the right environment to help their sons grow as athletes, as students, and as men. And for Marcus Freeman and his staff, it was another opportunity to showcase what they’re building—and how special it could be.
As the sun set on another powerful recruiting weekend in South Bend, there was a feeling in the air that something unique had just taken place. Not because of photo ops or social media posts, but because of the authentic connections that were made. These weren’t just visitors—they were potential anchors of a new generation of Irish football. Their names already carry weight in football circles, but at Notre Dame, they’re being seen not just as legacies, but as leaders. The echoes of their fathers’ greatness still linger in NFL stadiums, but in South Bend, the next chapter is being written—one where the sons step into the light, not to follow history, but to make their own.
