There's always a lot of meaning around a season opener. It's the first opportunity we get to see the offseason work come to fruition. For Notre Dame, it's the beginning of their 'revenge tour' and the start of their journey to end their national title drought. For tight end James Flanigan, it's about a return to his home town, Green Bay, Wisconsin, to play in front of his friends, family and play in the same stadium his father and grandfather played in on Sundays.
"I remember my grandpa's rookie year was the year they played the Ice Bowl," Flanigan shared. "He was talking about that and he said he bought a brand new Corvette. It was super cold, so when he got to his car it wouldn't start. Just kind of hearing that history - you always hear about that game, but to hear from someone who experienced it first hand and was in that moment was pretty special."
Notre Dame has brought in a lot of NFL lineage to the program over the years. Flanigan is the son of Jim Flanigan, wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald is the son of Larry Fitzgerald , defensive end Bryce Young is the son of Bryant Young and linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. is the son of Thomas Davis who spent many years in the NFL. For the sophomore tight end, this is an experience he doesn't plan on taking for granted.
"It's just really special," Flanigan answered about playing in Green Bay. "It's just insane how lucky and blessed I am to get to play here, not only here but to play at Lambeau. What are the chances? It's going to be really special to be around all my friends and family. At the end of the day, we have to get our job done."
The stadium itself is something Flanigan is familiar with. Going back to his roots, he worked a job inside of the stadium in the team shop.
"Me and my brother did," Flanigan stated. "We were in the merchandise (area). We were in the warehouse, picking orders and packaging them. It was pretty close to the Packers (building). A cool job, just to get some experience and to work with my brother."
Flanigan is expected to take on a major role in the Notre Dame offense this season. Offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mike Denbrock has said he's the 1B to Cooper Flanagan's 1A. Thankfully, we're only nine days away from seeing their offseason work come to life at Lambeau Field. Flanigan has put in the work as a kid in the team shop, now he'll have the opportunity to put in the work on the field on September 6.
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