Football legends attend ‘Return the Favor’ event ahead of Notre Dame vs. Georgia

ATLANTA—Legends were on hand on Thursday night for the “Return the Favor” event at the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta.

Players who took to the field in the 1980 Sugar Bowl, which decided the national champion that year, from both sides of the match-up, shared their excitement.

“It’s been such a great experience beyond the football. It’s the community energy around it and the excitement for the games. I think it’s a great example - college football needs the Notre Dame’s and Georgia's to play each other,” said Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame’s Athletic Director.

Even past Heisman winners were on hand to share their excitement.

"Can you win this game? Absolutely you can win this game. Do you have to play great? I don’t know if you have to play great but you have to play really, really solid football,” said Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown. Brown is a former wide receiver. 

“It’s going to be a tough game. I think it’s great Georgia’s at home, but Notre Dame has a very well team. I think it’s going to be a tough game and a close game,” Georgia Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker said. Walker is a former UGA running back.

The “Return the Favor” kick-off event ahead of the Notre Dame vs. Georgia game in Athens was a thank you from Georgia legislators and Coca-Cola executives to the University of Notre Dame, fans and alumni for their hospitality when Georgia came to South Bend in 2017.