ATLANTA — Kennedy Urlacher recalls moments spent in a luxury suite at Soldier Field. RJ Oben remembers trips to LaDanian Tomlinson’s home in San Diego. Jordan Clark reminisces about “everything.”

These three players are part of seven on Notre Dame’s team who share a special connection: Each has a father who played in the NFL, achieving various levels of success and paving the way for their sons who are about to compete in the College Football Playoff championship game against Ohio State.

Urlacher’s father, Brian, is a Hall of Fame linebacker known for his time with the Chicago Bears. Oben’s dad, Roman, was an offensive tackle across four teams during a lengthy career and now holds the position of vice president of football development in the league. Clark’s father, Ryan, is a Super Bowl champion safety with the Pittsburgh Steelers who has transitioned to a successful career as an ESPN analyst and Emmy Award winner.

Growing up in the shadow of their fathers’ football achievements, these seven Notre Dame players are crafting their own stories, strongly inspired by the experiences, memories, and memorabilia that shaped their lives.

“Seeing those moments from a young age definitely influenced my desire to do this,” said Urlacher, the freshman safety.

Senior offensive lineman Rocco Spindler was born after his father, Marc, concluded his nine-year NFL career as a defensive lineman and noted, “I was kind of living through his memories.”

“At times, it was hard because I wanted to be part of those experiences,” Spindler shared. “However, the respect he received when he returned to his hometown became something I aimed to emulate.”

Clark, a senior safety, expressed, “I’ve always aspired to be like my dad. He’s my role model.”

Being part of this legacy provides significant benefits and advantages, almost like starting with a lead before the game begins; this includes a genetic advantage and a clear guide to success at the highest levels of football.

These fathers did not pressure their sons to follow in their footsteps, adopting a mostly hands-off approach while being the ultimate resource for guidance.

Brian Urlacher served as the “coach at home,” according to his son, who considers him “one of the best coaches out there.” Clark emphasizes that his father established “the foundation for everything.”

Spindler and Oben have both benefitted from their fathers’ unique experiences. As an offensive lineman, Spindler has gained insights from his father’s defensive knowledge, while Oben, a senior defensive end, has learned various techniques from his father’s offensive tackle background.

“That’s where my passion for the game started,” Spindler stated.

This exceptional upbringing has also influenced these players’ mindsets, providing them with a different perspective on the game’s highs and lows, and creating a more focused approach, according to running backs coach Deland McCullough.

“They grasp the overall picture,” he said. “There’s no sense of entitlement, which is fantastic. They realize they must work hard because they grew up knowing that their family’s success came from determination.”

“There’s a distinct difference between those with such backgrounds and those who are simply skilled players but were perhaps pampered throughout their lives and don’t understand the effort required to achieve their goals.”

However, one potential drawback could be the burden of high expectations. Consider Urlacher, facing comparisons to one of the finest players of his era since his very first practice. Or freshman defensive end Bryce Young, son of distinguished Notre Dame and NFL defensive tackle Bryant Young. Similarly, senior defensive lineman Howard Cross III is under the legacy of his father, who secured a Super Bowl with the New York Giants. For this group, carving individual paths in football can be a challenge amid intense comparisons.

“People may say you need to be this good, or that good, based on your family name,” Oben mentioned. “But I try to focus on improving myself every day.”

While Clark experienced this pressure as he began his football journey, his father consistently reminded him of an important principle throughout his evolution as a college prospect.

“He was always adamant that my journey belonged to me,” Clark expressed. “That my worth wasn’t tied to our family name or his love and support. His encouragement allowed me to cultivate a genuine love for the game and play it authentically.”

The fact that Notre Dame has a notably high number of players with NFL lineage is somewhat coincidental. Next season, three more prospects with NFL backgrounds will join the team: Jerome Bettis Jr., son of Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis; wide receiver Elijah Burress, whose father, Plaxico, also played in the NFL; and tight end James Flanigan, whose family legacy includes both a father and grandfather who were NFL players.

However, recruiting is merit-based: Top players receive more chances than others, regardless of their backgrounds. These current and future members of the Fighting Irish were recruited for their abilities, not their family connections. Their fathers’ NFL experience is seen as an “advantage,” McCullough explained.

“Having that background can potentially elevate a player’s ceiling,” he noted. “Wow, this player can achieve even greater heights.”

Against this backdrop, these seven players have embraced the attention linked to their notable family ties while making it clear that they are crafting their own narratives.

“Yes, there are expectations to perform well because of my family name,” Urlacher affirmed. “But no, I don’t want to pressure myself; I just focus on my game.”