Chris Zorich
Christopher Zorich is Chairman of The Christopher Zorich Foundation. Zorich joined the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics in 2008.
Zorich graduated from Notre Dame in 1991 with a bachelor of arts in American Studies. He received his law degree from the Notre Dame Law School in May 2002.
A 2007 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame, Zorich is recognized as one of the best defensive lineman to have ever played the collegiate game. He was a two-time All-American in 1989 and 1990. His other awards include United Press International’s Lineman of the Year (1989), Chevrolet’s College Defensive Player of the Year (1989), the Vince Lombardi Award (1990), MVP of the Orange Bowl (1991), and a member of Walter Camp’s College Football All-Century Team (2000). He was also instrumental in helping Notre Dame win the national championship in 1988.
In 1991, Zorich was drafted by the NFL’s Chicago Bears. He averaged 100+ tackles per season, placing him among the league’s best defensive linemen. In 1996, while still playing for the Bears, Chris started law school at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Upon his release from the Chicago Bears, Zorich finished the 1997 season with the Washington Redskins.
After completing law school at Notre Dame in 2002, Zorich worked for the Chicago law firm of Schuyler Roche P.C. for four years before devoting his full-time attention to his foundation, which provides scholarships and other financial assistance to students and families in the Chicago area. His deep commitment to this area stems from his own background: He was raised on Chicago’s impoverished South Side by his mother, Zora, a single parent surviving on $250 per month from public aid.
Since his graduation from Notre Dame in 1991, Zorich has become a pioneer in the philanthropic community. He became the first student-athlete in Notre Dame’s history to start a scholarship at his alma mater. Notre Dame’s Christopher Zorich Award recognizes student-athletes who make unique contributions to the University community and the community at-large.
An active supporter and board member of numerous civic organizations, Zorich has received numerous recognitions for his commitment to community service, including the NFL Players Association’s Byron “Whizzer” White Award for Community Service, USA Weekend’s “Most Caring Athlete,” and the Jesse Owens Foundation’s Humanitarian Award. He has also received honorary doctorates from East-West University, Northwestern Business College, St. Xavier University & Governors State University.
