ESPN.com has an excellent article chronicling the history of the “Play Like a Champion” sign that players slap while running out to the field. Although the signs origin is unknown (I think it came from heaven) former ND coach, Lou Holtz found it in a picture of it in a book while researching ND Football history. This inspired Lou and in 1986 he revived the sign and commissioned stadium painter Laurie Wenger to paint it.

UND.com also has some great quotes on Lou’s belief behind the sign:

“Regardless of the won-loss record, regardless of the problems you have, when you walk out on that field you have an obligation to your teammates and the fans to play to the best of your ability - to play like a champion and to think like a champion,” Holtz says.

“But, I also asked my players that every time they hit that sign, to think about all the sacrifices your family has made; your teammates made in high school; the sacrifices your teachers have made; and you also think of the thousands of people who would love to be in your position. Just think about how fortunate we are.

“All of these thoughts should go through your mind when you hit that sign - `Play Like A Champion Today’.”

Thank you Lou…now please practice what you preach and

“Smack Mark May Like a Champion Today“.

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