Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/638727
IRISH IN THE PROS "I started training fairly early and often in the offseason. I got some calls and offers early on that just weren't opportunities I was looking for," Har- ris told reporters during the week of the Super Bowl. "You've got to look at what is a real opportunity. At that time, I had already played in over 80 games in the NFL. "For me, it was one of those things that I'm not just a guy out there on the street. If you want me to come in, I'm going to compete for a starting job and I'm going to contribute." Harris and Bruton became the 42nd and 43rd former Irish players to earn a Super Bowl ring. "Who are the WORLD CHAMPS!! WE ARE! #BroncosCountry #Love- MyTeam," Bruton tweeted. He partici- pated in the Broncos' Super Bowl loss two years ago before the organization returned and won in 2016. JUSTIN TUCK RETIRES Defensive end Justin Tuck (2001-04) announced his retirement Feb. 1 after an 11-year NFL career. The former Irish talent played an integral role in the New York Giants' Super Bowl XLII and XLVI victories by producing a strong pass rush against New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. He finished his career with 66.5 sacks. "After months of praying and care- ful consideration, I have decided to retire from the game of football," Tuck posted on Facebook. "I've had 11 great years and honestly I leave with very few regrets. "I'm thankful to my family and close friends for their unwavering support. My beautiful wife and kids have dedi- cated their lives to being my closest support system and I'm eternally grateful. "I want to thank the New York Gi- ants and the Oakland Raiders for giv- ing me a place I could call home all of these years. The Mara, Tisch and Davis families, I'm forever in your debt. To my coaches: thanks for hav- ing me ready at every stage — the Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, you name it — thank you for teaching me about professionalism, preparation, and the pursuit of perfection. To my team- mates: thank you for always going to battle with me each and every game day, but more importantly, thanks for being my brothers for life." Tuck told FOX Sports that he has considered retirement since 2012. His final two seasons came with the Oak- land Raiders. NBA NOTES Through Feb. 8 • New York Knicks guard Jerian Grant (2010-15) averaged 4.7 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game in the first 51 contests of his professional career. • Fellow rookie Pat Connaughton (2011-15) of the Portland Trail Blazers is averaging 0.6 points and 2.9 minutes in his first 20 NBA games … In January, he told The Baltimore Sun that he expects to eventually return to baseball. The former Baltimore Orioles draft pick put his Major League Baseball dreams on hold to give the NBA a try. "In my mind, I will pitch in MLB," Connaughton told the newspaper. "I want to achieve that. That's a dream of mine. I don't know when it will be, but a lot of pitching is based on how many bullets are in your arm compared to your age." ✦