(Photo: MSA/Icon Sportswire)
Tom Clements, considered by his teammates to be a “coach on the field,” almost didn’t attend Notre Dame. A multisport star in high school in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Clements was close to choosing North Carolina to play point guard for Dean Smith and the Tar Heels. Ultimately, Notre Dame won out, and Clements embarked on a great career with the Fighting Irish.
From 1972 to 1974, he orchestrated the Notre Dame offense, leading teams with prolific running games. Eric Penick, Wayne Bullock, Al Hunter, and Jerome Heavens were just a few standout runners at his disposal. Over those three seasons, the Irish averaged an astonishing 312.3 rushing yards per game. While the ground game was dominant, Clements contributed through the air as well, throwing exactly eight touchdown passes each season and amassing 3,594 passing yards. He also added 1,070 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns of his own, earning a reputation as a dual-threat quarterback.
More importantly, Clements was a winner. As a starter, he led Notre Dame to a 29-5 record and was regarded as the consummate leader. Frank Pomarico, the 1973 team captain, described Clements’ leadership: “Tom could drag a team to reach its dreams and goals. Being around him, you felt a calming confidence in his abilities to lead. He was persistent and consistent in his work habits, striving every day for perfection.”
Perhaps Clements’ most iconic play came during the 1973 Sugar Bowl against Alabama. With Notre Dame clinging to a 24-23 lead and backed up on their own 3-yard line on 3rd-and-8, Clements calmly dropped back to pass from his end zone. He found little-used tight end Robin Weber near the sideline for a clutch 36-yard gain, allowing the Irish to run out the clock and secure the 1973 national championship.
After graduating, Clements enjoyed a stellar 13-year career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He threw 252 touchdown passes, amassed over 39,000 passing yards, and led his teams to two Grey Cup championships. In 1994, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Following his playing days, Clements returned to Notre Dame, earned a law degree and practiced law for five years. However, in 1992, he began a coaching career that continues today. Starting as Lou Holtz’s quarterback coach at Notre Dame, he later transitioned to the NFL, where he has served in various coaching roles. He is currently the quarterback coach for the Green Bay Packers where he has been instrumental in the development of many quarterbacks including Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Julian Love, earning himself the nickname “The Quarterback whisperer”.