Notre Dame, Brian Kelly release statements following death of Louis Nix III
By Keith Farner
Published:
One of the toughest news items in recent days across college football was the death of former Notre Dame defensive lineman Louis Nix III.
His mother confirmed the news after Nix was reported missing by his mother earlier last week. He was found dead Saturday in Florida. NBC Sports reported that the Jacksonville, Florida, Sheriff’s Office pulled a car from the pond near Nix’s apartment that matched his vehicle’s description.
Coach Brian Kelly posted a video to Twitter and added these comments: “Louis Nix, “Irish Chocolate,” we carry these memories until we see you again.”
The program also memorialized Nix be recalling his notable career with the Fighting Irish.
“During the Irish’s 2012 undefeated regular season, Nix was an impact player who helped anchor the defensive front. He started 11-of-13 games, and led all Notre Dame defensive linemen with 50 tackles. He ranked fourth on the team with 7.5 tackles-for-loss and added 2.0 sacks. Additionally, Nix posted a team-high five pass breakups and recorded five tackles (all solo) in BCS National Championship Game versus Alabama, including 2.0 TFLs against the Crimson Tide.
Affectionately known as “Irish Chocolate” or “Big Lou,” Nix had a breakout sophomore season after not seeing any game action as a freshman in 2010.
A third-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, Nix played three seasons in the NFL. He was on the 2014 roster for the Texans, before suiting up for the New York Giants (2015), Washington Football Team (2016) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2016).
In May 2014, Nix earned his Notre Dame degree in film, television and theatre from the College of Arts and Letters. He is survived by his parents Louis Nix and Stephanie Ancrum.”
Louis Nix, “Irish Chocolate,” we carry these memories until we see you again 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ndTZ9DeaQP
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) February 28, 2021
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
