Notre Dame linebacker and captain [autotag]J.D. Bertrand[/autotag] has been a solid defensive presence for the past couple of years. However, his contributions aren’t limited to tackles, which he led the Irish in last season with 101. He has made enough of a difference in the community to be one of 22 honorees for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The list stretches across all NCAA divisions and also includes the NAIA.
Bertrand’s primary community work comes with Uplifting Athletes, which is about giving experiences to children with rare diseases as well as their families. As president of the Notre Dame chapter, Bertrand has put together many fundraisers. Over the past year, he helped the university raise $80,385. He also has made a connection with and constantly communicates with one young football fan along with his family.
Here’s to more of this off-field success for Bertrand and everyone involved with Uplifting Athletes. College football really is about more than winning games.
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