Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/200019
Chuck Taylors is one that head coach Brian Kelly had not seen. In his first two years on campus, the Fullerton, Calif., native was known more for his fun-loving goofball antics. He grew a mustache that missed its time by a generation or two. He stayed true to his California roots, taking on a more laid-back approach in front of the media when compared to most of his teammates. And, of course, in September 2012, the day before playing Michigan, he made a spectacular pep rally speaking debut, in the truest sense of the word. Niklas tore off his team polo during a chilly fall day to deliver a bare-chested soliloquy on "loving the pain." "It was really fun to watch him kind of grow," Kelly said Oct. 21. "As a young guy in the program who was kind of goofy and zany to one that you know really took this and it was inspirational for him. He got up in front of the team and really spoke about how important this event was to him. There are 70 guys up there. The respect they have for him and the time and effort he put into it says a lot." Niklas first started organizing events to help the homeless as an upperclassman at Servite High School. A student government leader, he coordinated an effort to put together bags of basic necessities — socks, toiletries, water bottles, etc. — that his fellow students could then pass out to homeless people in their town rather than just giving them cash. He also participated in the school's weekly meal for the homeless in a nearby park. After settling in on campus and around his teammates, Niklas felt it was time to continue that work in South Bend. "The more comfortable I get, I guess the more of me comes out," he