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Newsstand: Former Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts named finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year

IMG_7504by: Jack Soble01/23/26jacksoble56

A two-time All-American and ballhawk extraordinaire at Notre Dame, Xavier Watts proved the NFL wrong as a rookie.

Watts, selected in the third round (96th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, intercepted 5 passes as a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons. For his efforts, he was named one of five finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The other four finalists are Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter and Watts’ teammate, Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. The winner will be revealed at the NFL Honors show on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Five picks as a rookie gives Watts 18 in his last three seasons, including 7 in 2023 and 6 in 2024 with the Fighting Irish. The NFL overthought Watts, whose instincts, play recognition and ball skills made him the best interception artist of his era in college football. His average size and good-not-great speed caused him to fall on draft day, but he’s making those who passed on him pay.

Watts also finished his rookie year in Atlanta with 96 tackles (59 solo), 11 passes defended and a fumble recovery.

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Men’s lacrosse is looking to bounce back from a disappointing finish to the 2024-25 season. The Irish begin their hunt for a third championship in four years soon.

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Quote of the day

“I apologized to those guys. I’ve been too nice to them. I’ve been too soft on them to be ready to fight and compete in an environment like this. Dudes got talent, but they’ve never been through the wars before. They’ve never been through the grit and grind, and I gotta get us gritty and grind-y to be able to come in here and sustain and do what we need to do.”

— Notre Dame men’s basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry

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