NFL News: Notre Dame leans on NFL roots with new wave of legacy talent

Father Time’s undefeated, and he just sacked NFL fans. If seeing the sons of players you once had on your Madden roster now starring in college makes your knees ache for no reason, this post might not be for you.

Notre Dame just reloaded with a wave of recruits carrying serious NFL bloodlines.

Headlined by Devin Fitzgerald, the son of Arizona Cardinals great and future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, Notre Dame announced the signings of three sons of the NFL: Fitzgerald, Thomas Davis Jr., and Kaydon Finley.

Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class now includes:

WR Devin Fitzgerald, son of Larry Fitzgerald.

OLB Thomas Davis Jr., son of Thomas Davis.

WR Kaydon Finley, son of Jermichael Finley.

@ByEliLederman pic.twitter.com/3cHdS3xCK5

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 6, 2025

“Fitzgerald is a three-star pass catcher from Arizona’s Brophy Prep and ESPN’s 71st-ranked wide receiver prospect in his class,” ESPN’s Eli Lederman wrote. “He chose the Fighting Irish over UCLA, and he lands as the 24th member in Notre Dame’s incoming recruiting class, which sits fourth in ESPN’s latest class rankings for the 2026 cycle.”

Larry Fitzgerald wasn’t just a great wide receiver, he was iconic. Over 17 seasons, he racked up 1,432 catches, 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdowns, all while spending his entire career with the Cardinals. In today’s NFL, that kind of loyalty and production is almost unheard of.

The shadow of an NFL legend is a tough place to shine. Now it’s up to these Golden Domers to carve out their own path.