Three yards can carry a lot of history

When CJ Carr found James Flanigan for Notre Dame’s first touchdown against Wisconsin on September 6, the play gave the Irish an early breakthrough in what became a 41–13 victory. But the setting and the surname made that short reception at Lambeau Field worth lingering over. A kid from Green Bay had scored for Notre Dame in the stadium where his family’s football story already had deep roots. The Associated Press game recap supplies the details; the symbolism almost writes itself.

Flanigan came to South Bend from Green Bay’s Notre Dame de la Baie Academy. His father, Jim, played defensive tackle for the Fighting Irish before an NFL career that included a season with the Packers. His grandfather, also Jim, played for Green Bay’s Super Bowl II championship team. Those connections are recorded in Notre Dame’s official player biography. On Sunday night, three generations of football history met in one end zone.

There is something especially fitting about the youngest Flanigan making that contribution in a Notre Dame uniform. He returned to his hometown representing the school his father had represented, on the home field of the franchise both his father and grandfather had served. For an Irish fan, it is hard to imagine a more personal bridge between South Bend and Green Bay.