Freeman congratulates former Irish tight end Eli Raridon on 1st NFL TD
Coach Marcus Freeman had to make sure he congratulated his former tight end Eli Raridon after the rookie scored his first NFL touchdown last week.
Former Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon scored his first career touchdown in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, making it the very first TD of the 2026 NFL season. This momentous occasion was celebrated by his former coach Marcus Freeman, who congratulated Raridon on his accomplishment via video call and expressed his pride.
Raridon recounted the play, stating that he was open and Drake Maye threw him an easy 2-yard pass. After the touchdown, Freeman asked Raridon what he did post-scoring, to which Raridon replied that he paused, realized he scored, and then spiked the ball. Freeman playfully mentioned that the celebration in the NFL is "a little different" from college football, noting that players can do anything once they enter the league.
Raridon, who played 40 games for Notre Dame and had 40 receptions for 623 yards and three scores, shared a similar experience with former Irish star running back Jeremiyah Love, who also played in 40 games for the Irish and had 40 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns.
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