In the long history of Notre Dame football few players have been as popular as linebacker Manti Te’o.
Te’o was one of the highest rated recruits to ever end up at Notre Dame, shocking the world and picking the Irish over USC on national signing day in 2009.
He found the field quickly at Notre Dame and before he left he’d become a legend in Fighting Irish lore.
Te’o is most remembered for his incredible 2012 season as a senior when he helped guide Notre Dame to a 12-0 regular season record and wound up second in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.
He ended his Notre Dame career with 437 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, and seven interceptions. Te’o went on to play in the NFL for the Chargers, Saints, and Bears from 2013-2020.
Te’o turns 33-years old today (January 26) so big-time birthday greetings go his way.
Celebrate Manti, one of truly the greatest players to ever wear blue and gold, by checking out our photo gallery of the legend below.