Chris Zorich - Former Notre Dame Football Standout and Chicago Bear

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we go beyond the headlines to share the stories, people, and leadership that shape our community and our region.Today’s episode brings together two names that mean a lot to fans of University of Notre Dame football and to the broader South Bend community. We’re joined by former Notre Dame standout and Chicago Bears player Chris Zorich to talk about one of the most influential figures in college football history—legendary coach Lou Holtz.Coach Holtz didn’t just build championship teams in South Bend—highlighted by the unforgettable 1988 National Championship Game—he shaped generations of players with his discipline, humor, and relentless belief in preparation and character.In this conversation, Chris shares personal stories from playing under Coach Holtz, the lessons that carried from the locker room to life beyond football into his business life and why Coach Holtz’s impact on Notre Dame—and on the people who played for him—still resonates today.So settle in as we go behind the stories, behind the legacy, and behind the region.