Nearly a decade ago, Manti Te'o was seemingly on top of the world.
Te'o was a standout linebacker for Notre Dame and a finalist for almost every collegiate football award under the sun.
Then, things came crashing down.
The national spotlight would shine brightly on Te'o, but not for his accolades on the gridiron. Te'o fell victim to an elaborate catfishing scheme that, once revealed, turned the budding stars' world upside down.
Earlier this year, Netflix released a series allowing Te'o to tell the "untold" truth of the story. On Saturday, Te'o took another step toward putting the past behind him.
Te'o made a triumphant return to South Bend ahead of Notre Dame's matchup against the California Golden Bears.
Seemingly everywhere Te'o went on Saturday, he was greeted enthusiastically by the Irish faithful.
Manti Te'o got a warm welcome back to Notre Dame ☘️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 17, 2022
(via @NDFootball) pic.twitter.com/gEEu7THF1x
Te'o also took time to fire up the crowd outside the stadium before the game.
The people love Manti Te’o. Manti Te'o loves the people.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 17, 2022
Man, does he know how to fire up the Notre Dame faithful. pic.twitter.com/ZNNNddBxdc
Before kick-off, Te'o was recognized on the stadium video board and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
A thunderous applause from the Notre Dame faithful as Manti Teo presents the colors pregame.
— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) September 17, 2022
Manti wiping away tears as he hears the roar. pic.twitter.com/Jg0sHGO8NT
Te'o played in the NFL for seven seasons after being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
However, the unpleasant incident in college seemingly haunted him throughout his pro career, as Te'o never reached the level many had predicted. Te'o registered 307 tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks over 62 career games for the Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.
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