As a big football fan, I get very excited every year for the football season to kick-off. I've been a Notre Dame football fan since I was born - literally. My parents have a picture of me at about 2 months old wearing a "one-sie" outfit that said "Fightin Irish" on it. I spent my childhood Saturdays during the fall watching ND games and running around singing the fight song every time they scored. I very distinctly remember 1993, when I was 8 years old, watching the glorious victory for #2-ranked ND over #1-ranked Florida State and then the following week being depressed after losing (not just the game, but our undefeated season and national championship hopes) to Boston College.

As a student at Notre Dame, my love for the school and football team only grew. I saw many great games in Notre Dame stadium as well as on the road. After a (very) disappointing season last year, I am hopeful that the Irish can improve their game this year.

While my greatest football love is Notre Dame, I also just really enjoy the game. I can watch two college or professional teams play regardless of whether I have any real reason to route for one or the other. Each year around this time, when the teams are getting ready to start their summer practices, I get antsy for the season to begin - and love that there will be three straight months of college football (and five months of professional football) to watch.

I can't wait to go up to Notre Dame this fall for a couple of games. There is absolutely nothing quite like a football Saturday at Notre Dame. It's hard to describe it to someone who has never been there, but the way I feel about the first home game of each year is probably similar to how young children feel on Christmas day. I still get goosebumps every time I go back.

Only 44 days to go!