The odds of a high school football player advancing to the Division One level are less than three percent. From there, the odds of that player setting the all-time record at a given program for the most number of games played in a career is close to zero. In the day and age of the transfer portal, it’s a rare occurrence to see players breaking the mold by climbing up a program's record list for career games. At a prestigious program like Notre Dame, such a feat becomes even more infrequent.
On Saturday afternoon, Jack Kiser broke the mold by making his 63rd appearance for Notre Dame, firmly cementing himself as the all-time leader.
Kiser passed former Irish safety and current assistant wide receivers coach at the University of Illinois, Houston Griffith.
Kiser, a six-year contributor, was able to make use of both his graduate year of eligibility in 2023 and COVID year of eligibility this season. After being unsure about what his future held beyond 2023, Kiser was asked by the coaching staff to return for one more season, and he couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
“It’s never a goal I set out for,” said Kiser in his press conference after Saturday's 35-14 win against Virginia. “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to be here a long time, and [head] coach [Marcus] Freeman and the staff asked me to come back, that played a part in it.”
Kiser, a two-year captain for the team, played an integral role in Notre Dame’s victory over Virginia. The linebacker recorded three tackles and topped his day off with a Senior Day sack early in the fourth quarter.
Even with it being a historic day for Kiser, his mindset was the same one he’s carried with him through his six years of playing for the Irish.
“Anytime you step on the field at Notre Dame Stadium, you’re going to go all-out,” stated Kiser.
Coming into Notre Dame from Pioneer High School in Royal Center, Indiana, as the 95th-ranked outside linebacker in the nation, Kiser has exceeded all expectations the coaching staff and fans alike could’ve expected from him. Aside from his role as captain, Kiser’s career is highlighted by winning the 2023 Notre Dame Special Teams Player of the Year, collecting 237 total tackles and making a genuine difference off the field — evident in his honor as a member of the 2024 AFCA Good Works Team.
Despite all of the accolades Kiser has garnered throughout his six years with Notre Dame, he remains humble and appreciative of the collaborative effort that it took for him to reach these heights, specifically the historic 63rd game of his career.
“It’s not easy. There's a lot of people that go into me stepping on the field 63 times: the trainers, family, teammates, strength coaches, coaches in general. There is a lot of people that play into that. That’s the best thing about this record. It’s not a me thing, it’s a we thing,” stated Kiser.
Kiser’s influence isn’t only felt through awards and accolades, however. As a sixth-year senior, Kiser commands respect on the field, setting an example for the classes to follow.
Sophomore safety Adon Shuler spoke to this, stating, “Jack is phenomenal at his job. He’s always been captain, even last year. I feel like he just excelled in his role going into this year. Seeing Jack out there kind of directing us — even though we know what we’re doing — Jack is still going to have extra pull.”
Kiser will seek to build upon his record-breaking 63rd game by continuing to orchestrate the Irish defense as Notre Dame heads to Yankee Stadium in a battle against No. 16 Army next Saturday at 7 p.m.
