Inspired by the words of the Alma Mater, the ‘Strong and True’ theme of the celebration of 125 Years of Notre Dame Football features stories of strong feats of athletic achievement to true accomplishments of the head and the heart. Few former Fighting Irish players match this description more than Jonas Gray (‘12). Going into the 2011 campaign, Gray was a relatively unknown running back, but the senior emerged as a key contributor to the Fighting Irish offense, rushing for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns. In this moment, look back at Gray’s breakout season and his emotional talk with the team following a knee injury that ended his college career.

Jonas Gray leaves two Pitt defenders in the dust on his way to a 79-yard touchdown run. (Photo copyright of Michael & Susan Bennett/Lighthouse Imaging)