Jarrett Patterson shares why he did not opt out of bowl game

In the modern game, it’s fairly commonplace for players to skip their team’s bowl game if they are going to try their luck at the NFL. There are a lot of reasons for this and every individual case is different, but it’s largely because players want to avoid potential injuries that could impact their NFL futures. Not every player does this, though, like Notre Dame offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson.

Ahead of the Gator Bowl, Patterson explained why he chose to play in the bowl game for Notre Dame.

“The way I look at it, I have one more opportunity to play with this group,” Patterson explained. “Despite all the injuries, passing on an opportunity… The injuries come and go, but the memories last forever.”

Now a fifth-year senior for the Irish, Patterson has been one of college football’s best offensive linemen during his time there, playing both center and guard. However, playing a physical position, he’s dealt with his share of injuries too. Given his shot at playing in the NFL, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if he opted out of the game.

“I really had no thought of opting out or not practicing, anything like that. I wanted to finish this thing off the right way and play my last game as a Notre Dame football player.”

Opting out of games started trending upward after Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith suffered a massive knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. That injury, which cost him his first season in the NFL, also moved him out of the first round of the NFL Draft.

So, you’d excuse Patterson for opting out of this game to protect himself. However, that’s not where his priorities are right now and you have to respect that decision to finish what he started.

Notre Dame takes on South Carolina in the Gator Bowl at 3:30 PM EST on Friday, December 30th.

Marcus Freeman says Jarrett Patterson is an ironman

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was effusive in his praise of Patterson. He even called the veteran offensive lineman an ‘ironman.’

“J-Patt, the best way to describe him is the ultimate ironman. Just a guy who has battled injuries, multiple injuries, even before I got here. He has continued to sacrifice his body, continued to work and plays the game at such a high level. To this day he’s not 100 percent. He has been injured all season. He just goes out there, he practices and he plays,” Patterson said.

“He could easily be the guy who says, ‘You know, I’m not going to play, I’m going to wait until the NFL and save my body.’ He doesn’t. He sacrifices his body for this university and this football program. I’m forever indebted to Jarrett Patterson. He’s a great captain, a great leader for our program.”