By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-03 02:03:19 | Updated at 2025-01-05 06:31:12
2 days ago
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman struggled to contain his emotions as he celebrated victory over Georgia with a tribute to the victims of the New Orleans terror attack.
The Fighting Irish reached the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 23-10 win at Caesars Superdome - not far from where 14 people were killed on New Year's Eve.
'As we celebrate this great moment, I want to send our condolences out to all those affected in the city of New Orleans,' Freeman said after a stirring night.
Freeman also thanked those Notre Dame supporters who travelled to Louisiana for the game, which was delayed following the tragedy.
The coach's comments were echoed by quarterback Riley Leonard.
He told ESPN: 'It's been a very hard week and our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected a couple of days ago. We are praying for them.'
Marcus Freeman fought back tears as he paid tribute to victims of the New Orleans attack
The Fighting Irish reached the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 23-10 win over Georgia
New Orleans is reeling after a terrorist ploughed a vehicle into a large crowd, killing 14 people
The game was pushed back after the devastating attack, which saw Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drive a truck into a large crowd celebrating the New Year.
The shocking tragedy claimed the lives of 14 and left 35 injured, while Jabbar was killed by police in a shootout.
Before the game, both sets of players, coaches, staff and fans - plus emotional New Orleans mayor Latoya Cantrell - stopped for a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as well as a moment of silence.
At the end of the national anthem, passionate chants of 'U-S-A' reverberated around Caesars Superdome.
A few hours later, Freeman celebrated with his young family and led Notre Dame's players in an emotional rendition of the school's fight song.
They stood arm-in-arm and sang along with their supporters in the stands. During the trophy presentation, Freeman's voice broke as he reflected on the victory.
'What a great moment for this program. I wish we could bring every single one of these guys on this stage because it takes everybody to achieve this,' he said.
'They're a great group and they choose hard everyday. It's honor to be a part of the program.'
Freeman later led Notre Dame's players in an emotional rendition of the school's fight song
Before the game, Freeman had said: 'In the toughest moments, the culture of any program, of a nation, are revealed,' he said. 'I have a lot of faith we're going to rally around the city of New Orleans.'
A SWAT team, as well as bomb-sniffing dogs and their handlers, were out in force on Thursday around the Superdome, while hundreds more police officers lined the surrounding streets.
Police dogs were seen sniffing vehicles entering the stadium and the personal belongings of anyone headed to their seats.
The Fighting Irish will now compete in the Orange Bowl where they will play No 6 Penn State - with the winner of that game off to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Ohio State faces Texas in the other semifinal.
