Renowned ESPN analyst Ryan Clark shares special moment with his Notre Dame son on Get Up

There was some big Notre Dame presence on ESPN this morning, with head coach Marcus Freeman, Irish quarterback Riley Leonard, and defensive back all joining Get Up . The trio was on to talk about the football program, previewing the 2024 season and the challenges ahead.

This interview took on a very unique perspective with ESPN analyst Ryan Clark included, a prominent figure on the channel, and Jordan’s father. The father and son pairing went into their relationship, which plays a big part into Jordan’s game day preparation.

“He’s more like my best friend than he is my dad,” Jordan explained. “Before games, I think he understands that I’m already locked in enough. We don’t do too much yelling or talking. He slides me a note to remind me to do some things, and compete, and just have fun. Everything is understood. We don’t have to do too much talking.”

Those Saturdays are much different for Ryan Clark, who was about as intense of a football player as you will find during his 13-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins and New York Giants. During that time, Clark developed a reputation as an enforced, collecting 938 total tackles, 16 interceptions and 55 pass breakups.

Games have now become much different for Clark, who has taken on a new role as a spectator. He has become his son’s biggest fan.

“College football gameday is the worst day of my week every single season,” Clark explained. “I go to every game. I talk to Riley but I go to every single game and I’m a nervous wreck the entire time. I don’t like sitting by the parents because they want to talk football with me and I ain’t here to talk football. I’m here to be a dad.

“I know now with the step up in competition, they are starting off with Texas A&M and I’m going to be a nervous wreck every Saturday,” he continued. “But I have so much confidence in this man (pointing at head coach Marcus Freeman) and what he’s building. I had the opportunity to get around some of his teammates and I’m just so excited for his opportunity to play ball with them.”

Jordan came to Notre Dame this offseason after spending five years as a part of the Arizona State program. During that time, Clark collected 139 total tackles, three interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 6.5 tackles for loss. Now slated to start at nickel back for the Irish, there will be a lot to cheer for this season.