How This Notre Dame Football Star Stays Cool Under Pressure

The life of a collegiate student-athlete is a balancing act. It’s not just about performing on game days: It’s the daily practices, film study meetings, and recovery sessions after workouts and games. And all that is on top of the regular college stressors of school work, classes, and maintaining some semblance of sanity and a social life. For junior Jeremiyah Love, a running back at the University of Notre Dame, finding that balance is thanks to expert time management, genuine love for his teammates and the sport, and easy-to-use products like Icy Hot that help make his recovery a little easier.

This year, Notre Dame’s football team will make another run for the National Championship (for what would be their first trophy since 1988), thanks in no small part to Love. He started playing football when he was only six or seven years old, and it’s been a love affair (pun intended) ever since. Today, he’s a leader on the Fighting Irish team, scoring 19 touchdowns and rushing 1,125 yards in the 2024 season. “Over the years, it’s turned from something fun into something I really want to perfect and take as far as I can,” Love said.

Love’s days are filled with practice, team meetings, studying game film, gym workouts, and classes. “I’ve had to create a routine that makes sure I’m handling my football responsibilities while also keeping up with my academics,” he said. He tries to stay consistent with his schedule, adding that developing time management skills has been important to knowing “when to study, when to train, and when to rest.”

One essential part of Love’s routine is his recovery after games and practices, to help fend off injuries and ensure that his body is able to continue to perform. After a game, his wind-down routine includes getting treatment from the team’s trainers, stretching, and occasionally watching film. Then, he’ll use Icy Hot on any areas that are still sore. Icy Hot uses contrast therapy to help fight pain in two ways: First, with an instant cooling sensation, then a warming sensation that lingers to help provide long-lasting pain relief. It’s easy and (most importantly) quick to use, meaning Love can apply it and then get back to his busy schedule.

“Because football is such a physical game, recovery is everything,” Love explained. “Icy Hot gives quick relief right where you need it, so you don’t have to waste time being sore when you should be locking in on the next practice or game.”

As Love looks towards his future, he wants to continue to grow as a player and has long-term dreams of playing at the professional level of the sport. For now, though, he’s focused on helping his Notre Dame team succeed this season — and doing everything he can to support that mission, both on and off the field. “The culture and brotherhood here is unbeatable,” he said. “Every day I’m surrounded by teammates and coaches who push each other to get better, on and off the field. I’m grateful to represent this school.”

Icy Hot offers several convenient methods for pain relief, including sprays, creams, and patches: