1995 - Male Recipient Chris Zorich
As an only child, raised by his single-parent mother on Chicago's south side, Chris Zorich began his gridiron achievements by earning a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame in 1986. While with the Fighting Irish, he became Captain, won the coveted Lombardi Award, and was chosen All-American for three consecutive years. After his 1991 Notre Dame graduation, Chris was drafted by the Chicago Bears. As a rookie, teammates voted him the winner of the distinguished Brian Piccolo award.
He is the founder and chairman of the Christopher Zorich Foundation, which comprises a multiplicity of generous aid and assistance programs. The Zora Zorich Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame was founded in his mother's name. The "Care to Share" family food program, with the aid of corporate sponsorships, has helped Chris feed thousands of people in the Chicago area. The "Chris Zorich & Friends" program provides cultural and entertainment field trip treats for kids from youth centers and orphanages. And with the "Love Grows Here" program, fresh flower corsages are distributed to abused women and children shelters on Mother's Day weekend. Chris is also on the Director's Board for Special Children's Charities, United Cerebral Palsy, Options for People, There are Children Here (youth center), and the Brian Piccolo Foundation.
A few career highlights:
- Played at Chicago's Vocational High School
- Nosetackle for Notre Dame 1988-1990
- Member of the 1988 NCAA National Championship team
- Lombardi Award 1990
- Named RPI Lineman of the Year 1989
- Named College Lineman of the Year by Touchdown Club of Washington, D.C. 1989
- CBS Sports/Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year 1990
- 2 Time Consensus All-Star Selection 1989 & 1990
- 2nd Round selection of 1991 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears
- Starting Defensive Tackle for the Bears in 1993
- 1993 All-Madden Team
