Several players believe mental fortitude and consistency are key components of being tough.
Toughness involves handling adversity, playing hard every snap, and being reliable for teammates.
The concept of toughness is deeply rooted in the football culture of Western Pennsylvania, the home of many legendary players.
SOUTH BEND — Joe Rudolph, third-year assistant for Notre Dame football, grew up 33 miles south of Acrisure Stadium, home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the ACC’s Pitt Panthers.
His very job description carries the endowed title of Joe Moore Offensive Line Coach, a tribute to the late line-play guru who hailed from Pittsburgh, coached at Pitt and later helped Notre Dame claim its most recent national title in the first of his nine seasons with Lou Holtz (1988-96).
Rudolph, the pride of Belle Vernon, Pa., knows all about the tough-guy football legacy associated with the coal-rich hills of Western Pennsylvania.
It’s not just Quarterback Country out there, but the proving ground of no-retreat bruisers like Notre Dame defensive tackle Donovan Hinish, an Irish team captain this year like his older brother Kurt before him.
Hall of Famers Mike Ditka, Jimbo Covert and Darrelle Revis all grew up in or near the Steel City, as did Canton-bound Aaron Donald.
As Notre Dame prepared for a Top 25 showdown at that quartet’s alma mater, Pittsburgh, Rudolph smiled this week at the mention of Moore and his many oft-quoted maxims about what it takes to be an elite offensive line.
“I love when he talks about moving a guy from one point to another against his will,” Rudolph said. “When you do that as five guys, do that as one, good things are going to happen for you.”
With November upon us and grit practically visible in the late-season chill, it seemed appropriate to canvass current Irish standouts regarding the matter of toughness.
Here’s a sampling of responses on what constitutes football toughness.
Eli Raridon, tight end
“That’s a good question. Being able to handle adversity that comes your way. Playing hard every snap, things like that. You can tell when you’re with people who have high motors out there, who take every snap. They don’t take any snap for granted.”
Jeremiyah Love, running back
Notre Dame football players consider the definition of toughness
