Another #88 Joins the Ranks of Notre Dame Legends: Honoring Mike Fanning
There’s a special kind of reverence that comes with wearing the number 88 at Notre Dame—and today, we remember one of the fiercest to ever don it: Mike Fanning.
A true warrior on the gridiron and a standout on the mat, Fanning was more than just a football player. He was an All-American wrestler, a relentless defensive lineman, and a cornerstone of the Irish’s defensive dominance in the early 1970s. His legacy was forged in “The House That Rockne Built,” where he brought pain to opposing offenses and pride to the Fighting Irish faithful.
Standing tall on the interior line, Fanning recorded a staggering 164 tackles in his Notre Dame career—an impressive feat for a defensive tackle known more for occupying blockers than racking up stats. He was a wrecking ball in the backfield, using strength, leverage, and tenacity to collapse pockets and frustrate quarterbacks.
His impact was most profound during the 1973 National Championship season, where he served as a key anchor on one of the toughest defensive units in college football history. In 1974, Fanning’s excellence was recognized nationally when he was named a First Team All-American.
NFL scouts took notice, and in 1975, he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, marking the beginning of a professional career that carried the same grit and determination he showcased in South Bend.
Mike Fanning’s name belongs in the conversation with the greatest defenders to wear the gold helmet. He wasn’t just a player—he was a force. And at Notre Dame, we don’t forget those who bled blue and gold with every snap.
Here’s to #88—Mike Fanning, forever a Fighting Irish legend.
