When the Notre Dame football team plays Boise State on Saturday, Marcus Freeman and his teammates may encounter one of their favorite former teammates.
If Jaden Mickey makes it on the field for the Broncos, the narrative will be about more than just an ex-Fighting Irish star facing off against his former team. The defensive back suffered a scary injury in Boise’s previous game, which appeared to be worse than it was, as his head jerked back at an angle that some mistook for a spinal damage.
Former Notre Dame corner Jaden Mickey working his way back from a concussion
The former Notre Dame cornerback sustained a concussion, and while he is still in the protocol, there is hope he will be ready to suit up on Saturday and face his former teammates.
The incident was so frightening that Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson stated that the team rallied behind Mickey, and when he was forced to leave the squad’s 47-14 victory over Appalachian State, the Broncos wanted to win for their injured colleague.
“That kid’s a warrior man,” Danielson added. “He lost his mother (on December 28, 2023). He has been through a lot. “He’s a fantastic kid.”
“Even in that moment, our players were saying, ‘We’re doing this for Mick.'” We are doing this for Mick. “We are doing this for Mick.” Danielson stated. “I think that shows a team that loves each other.”
Mickey remains popular among his old Notre Dame teammates and coaches. When he left the team last year, he remained on campus until he found a new school, cheering on the Irish from the stands.
Mickey ultimately went to California, but left the Golden Bears after his position coach left for another job. He joined Boise State not long after and seemed to have found a home. Marcus Freeman made it obvious at his weekly news conference that he has no animosity toward Mickey and is pleased that he has found a place to live.
“I never spoke with Spencer [Danielson] about him… I adore that person… I just want to make sure he’s okay… all I care about is his health and his family… these are lifelong ties.”
The Notre Dame coaching staff hopes Jaden Mickey will be well enough to play on Saturday for his own safety. Even if he’s not, they’d love to meet him before the competition begins.
