Homecoming game for Irvington, New Jersey native Adon Shuler

 

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Sophomore Safety Adon Shuler coming home to MetLife Stadium. After growing up in Irvington, NJ, Shuler will play in front of friends and family.

For outsiders, MetLife Stadium is just another NFL venue. But for Notre Dame Safety Adon Shuler, playing here is a dream come true.

"Been a dream my whole life to play there," Shuler said.

Shuler grew up just 20 minutes away from the Meadowlands and his decision to continue his career with the Irish, was based on the possibility of one day returning to where it all started.

"While I was getting recruited, I found out that we were going to have opportunity to play either in New Jersey or New York, and we get able to do both this year," Shuler added.

The opportunity to play Navy in a historic matchup is an honor. Playing in front of a community that raised you is unforgettable.

"I call them my village, all the people that have just always supported me since I was younger," Shuler mentioned.

Their mentality, #IrvingtonTuff.

"It's a mindset that we go by in Irvington. It's like you have to have a tough mindset, and that's just how you get through things," Shuler said.

"Tough, gritty, being a tone setter, making the plays, making the hits, and kind of just putting your body out there for your team," Shuler added.

Shuler’s been exceptional in that area. In his first start for the Irish, in a hostile environment against Texas A&M, Don showed up and earned his first career interception.

Last week against Georgia Tech, Shuler returned the interception for a touchdown.

"My coach, told me, like, read the quarterback's eyes and kind of like mirror him and then the quarterback, he overthrew the ball to the receiver, and I made a play," Shuler explained.

Big plays like that aren't the only plays Shuler wants to make. At least not on the field.

A Sociology major with a minor in Real Estate, Shuler wants to create opportunities for the youth in his community.

"I have younger siblings, so just I always, I kind of use them to, like, measure how I'm doing and, you know, in the world, and, you know, especially for the Irvington community, being that kind of vocal figure for them," Shuler said.

Shuler is already making a difference, hosting and showing up for youth camps in Irvington.

It’s his way of paying it forward. Something he learned from his parents, Fran and Don Shuler

Before Adon takes the field in front of his village, he has a special message for all of his family and friends attending Saturday's game.

"I just want to say I can't wait to be back home, and just can't wait to put on the show. I love you guys, and I'm glad that you're going to be there to watch," Shuler said.