This Advent: Sacred Stories with....Notre Dame Running Back Audric Estimé

During this season of Advent, the Notre Dame Alumni Association sends a daily video reflection featuring alumni, students, faculty, and staff to help anyone and everyone ready our hearts and make way for the joy of our Savior’s birth at Christmas. The focus of these testimonials varies from year to year. This Advent, "members of the Notre Dame family, offer  their most sacred and meaningful moments on our beloved campus."

The Sacred Stories of Notre Dame: A Daily Advent Journey "range from tales of life-changing experiences in the classroom and moments of stillness at the Grotto to the power of family memory and unforgettable mentors." Each one is different. Each story is inspiring. And the one for December 8, featuring Audric Estimé should not be missed.

I receive a text reminder each afternoon to log-in and take a look. I will admit I am anxious and excited to see Will know the narrator? I wonder—What University administrator might they profile. Will I hear from a classmate? And I would be lying if I said otherwise, but I always want to know what athletes and coaches weigh in.

To see the star running back, Audric Estimé brought a huge smile to my face. Talk about big time, Estimé was the life blood of the offense. He is undoubtedly one of the more exciting and dominant players in college football. Take one look at this hype video—released before the Ohio State game and his physical stature speaks for itself.

But, Day 6 of Sacred Stories reveals Audric Estimé is so much more. He is a student-athlete, a political science major, a man of faith, he has an active prayer life and I believe he is genuinely joyful. Take note of how many times he smiles! I give him so much credit. He lost his mother at an early age and struggled in college—like so many other men and women do. He is a beloved member of an extended family and a valued member of the Notre Dame family—a place he realized "was the only school that brought together the three most essential things in my life right now — faith, academics, and football." He added,  "I realized all my goals and dreams were on the right trajectory. I truly felt that God had a path for me, and that path was Notre Dame." 

I am grateful to have walked that same path. I am thankful for my own family and the Notre Dame family. I'll show you and wear the green jersey any day. A happy and holy Advent.

Photo Credits
Audric photo is from the video: Day 6 of Sacred Stories