If you’re wandering around the Notre Dame campus, you’re bound to bump into a couple of icons that aren’t wearing jerseys, but they’re just as important to the school’s spirit as any Heisman Trophy winner. A towering mural christened “Touchdown Jesus” watches over the stadium like a divine referee. The other one is a humble sign tucked in the depths of the locker room that quietly fuels the Fighting Irish’s swagger. But how did these symbols of faith and grit become game-day gospel?

‘Touchdown Jesus’: Notre Dame’s Heavenly Play caller

“Touchdown Jesus” isn’t just a nickname; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Officially called “The Word of Life,” the mural rises 134 feet tall and 68 feet wide, sprawling across the Hesburgh Library like a celestial scoreboard. Crafted by Millard Sheets and unveiled in 1964, it depicts Jesus with arms outstretched, a pose suspiciously similar to the referee’s touchdown signal. Coincidence? Nah. Notre Dame fans made the connection faster than a running back hitting the hole, dubbing it ‘Touchdown Jesus’ sometime in the late ’60s.

Made from over 5,700 pieces of multicolored granite, this masterpiece overlooks the north end zone of Notre Dame Stadium, blessing every play with a bit of divine intervention. Its size and placement ensure it’s a showstopper on ESPN’s College GameDay.

The ‘Play Like A Champion Today’ sign: a sacred ritual

Step into Notre Dame’s locker room, and you’ll spot a simple yellow-and-blue sign that carries a message louder than any pep talk: “Play Like a Champion Today.” Installed by legendary coach Lou Holtz in 1986, this sign has become a rite of passage for the Fighting Irish.

Holtz discovered the phrase in a Notre Dame history book and decided and resurrect it. Laurie Wenger, tasked with painting the sign, probably didn’t realize she was creating one of college football’s most sacred relics. Now, every player taps it on their way to the field, as if channeling the ghosts of championships past. Above the sign, a listing of Notre Dame’s 11 national titles serves as a reminder of the greatness they’re chasing.

And it’s not just tradition—it’s trademarked. In 1991, the university teamed up with Play Like a Champion Today, Inc., giving this mantra an official stamp and a line of co-branded merch. Talk about a marketing touchdown.

A game-day pairing like no other

From the pep rally vibes of “Touchdown Jesus” to the ritualistic slap of the sign, these symbols are Notre Dame’s version of a pregame prayer and a halftime sermon. When players emerge from the tunnel, they’ve tapped into history, faith, and an unshakable belief in destiny.

Think about it: Jesus is signaling the TD, and the sign is daring them to earn it. It’s the ultimate combo, blending divine inspiration with the type of grit you need to grind out a win. Whether you’re a devout fan or just someone who loves a good story. These traditions give you chills faster than a November kickoff in South Bend.

The University of Notre Dame is literally filled with legends, faith, and a whole lotta history. From the towering gaze of ‘Touchdown Jesus’ to the defiant command of ‘Play Like a Champion Today,’ these iconic symbols remind us all why college football is more than a game—it’s a religion for some.