College athletes are often tasked with juggling a myriad of responsibilities as they balance the demands of their respective sports, academics, and personal lives. While many student-athletes focus on excelling in a single sport, there are a select few who take on the monumental challenge of competing in two different sports simultaneously. Jordan Faison, a wide receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, is one such athlete. As the 2025 spring season unfolds, Faison finds himself balancing the physical and mental demands of both football and lacrosse—a feat that not only requires exceptional time management but also immense dedication, discipline, and an unyielding passion for competition.
Faison’s ability to play at a high level in both football and lacrosse is a testament to his athleticism, versatility, and work ethic. This dual-sport commitment brings with it both unique challenges and significant rewards, as Faison continues to carve out his legacy as one of Notre Dame’s most promising young athletes. In this article, we will explore how Faison manages his dual-sport commitments, the impact of this unique challenge on his performance in both sports, the support he receives from coaches and teammates, and what this balancing act means for his future in both football and lacrosse.
Jordan Faison: A Dual-Sport Athlete with Big Ambitions
Jordan Faison’s journey to Notre Dame began with a distinguished high school career in both football and lacrosse. Growing up, Faison excelled in multiple sports, using his natural athleticism to dominate on the field and in the lacrosse arena. It was clear from an early age that he was not only a gifted football player but also a lacrosse prodigy. His speed, agility, and football IQ made him an ideal wide receiver for Notre Dame’s offense, while his skill set and versatility on the lacrosse field allowed him to shine as a standout player.
Faison’s decision to attend Notre Dame was influenced by the school’s rich athletic tradition, its commitment to both academics and athletics, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level in both football and lacrosse. Choosing to play two sports at the collegiate level is an uncommon path, one that presents its own set of challenges. For Faison, it meant competing in a demanding environment where he would have to split his focus and energy between two extremely competitive teams.
His dual-sport aspirations have been supported by both the football and lacrosse coaching staffs, who have worked together to ensure that Faison has the necessary resources to succeed in both arenas. However, it’s not without its difficulties. Spring practice for football and lacrosse often overlap, with both sports demanding significant amounts of time and energy. For Faison, the spring is particularly hectic, as he must divide his attention between two full-fledged team practices, weight training, and academic responsibilities.
The Challenges of Playing Two Sports at the College Level
Balancing the demands of two high-caliber sports is no easy feat, and Faison’s commitment to both football and lacrosse has required a level of discipline that few athletes can achieve. Each sport brings its own set of demands, and for Faison, the time commitment is perhaps the most significant challenge. During spring football practice, which runs from March to April, Faison must attend team meetings, individual drills, and full team practices, all while keeping up with his lacrosse obligations.
Lacrosse, with its fast-paced, high-intensity style of play, has its own set of physical and mental demands. For Faison, balancing the responsibilities of both sports during the spring means having to prepare for lacrosse games and practices while simultaneously staying sharp for football drills and scrimmages. The overlap between the two sports in terms of timing and preparation can create moments of conflict, especially when the seasons intensify as the calendar turns toward the summer.
This overlapping schedule forces Faison to maintain a regimented daily routine. Whether it’s waking up early for a lacrosse practice, transitioning to a football workout, or staying up late to study for exams, Faison’s schedule is one of constant movement. His day-to-day life involves a delicate balancing act between football and lacrosse, with each sport requiring specific attention at different times.
One of the most demanding aspects of playing two sports at the college level is the toll it takes on the body. Spring football practices often involve intense drills, scrimmages, and physical exertion, while lacrosse requires players to endure frequent running, dodging, and contact during games and practices. Maintaining peak physical condition for both sports means that Faison must be extremely mindful of his recovery and conditioning routines. Injury prevention becomes a priority, as Faison must manage the physical toll of each sport to avoid overuse injuries or burnout.
Additionally, the mental aspect of playing two sports is a challenge in itself. The pressure to succeed in both football and lacrosse can weigh heavily on Faison, as he is not only expected to perform at a high level but also to maintain his academic standing. Notre Dame’s academic expectations for student-athletes are rigorous, and Faison must strike a balance between his athletic commitments and his educational responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, Faison remains committed to both sports because of his passion and his desire to excel. His dual-sport journey is not just about the challenges he faces but also about the opportunity to grow as a well-rounded athlete, sharpen his skills in two different sports, and contribute to two elite programs. His drive to succeed in both arenas has earned him respect from teammates, coaches, and fellow athletes.
The Support from Coaches and Teammates
The path that Jordan Faison has chosen would not be possible without the unwavering support of his coaches and teammates. Both the Notre Dame football and lacrosse coaching staffs have demonstrated an understanding of Faison’s unique situation, and they have worked closely together to ensure he can manage both sports without compromising his performance in either.
In football, head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Jared Parker have made accommodations for Faison’s lacrosse commitments. They understand the benefits of having an athlete like Faison on the roster—someone who can bring the athleticism and skillset honed in lacrosse into the football arena. While Faison’s schedule may differ from that of his teammates, Freeman and Parker are flexible in how they manage his participation in practice, allowing him to attend both football and lacrosse sessions without feeling torn between the two.
Similarly, the lacrosse program under head coach Kevin Corrigan has been accommodating, allowing Faison to continue his football training while ensuring he remains an active contributor to the lacrosse team. Lacrosse, with its emphasis on speed, agility, and conditioning, offers Faison a chance to sharpen the skills that will translate into his football career, such as quick cuts, footwork, and acceleration. Both teams see value in Faison’s dual-sport involvement, and they have collaborated to ensure he can continue competing at a high level in both sports.
Teammates on both teams have also been supportive of Faison’s commitment to excelling in both sports. They understand the sacrifices Faison is making to balance his athletic responsibilities, and many admire his work ethic and determination. His ability to juggle the demands of two sports while remaining focused on his team-first mentality has made him a valuable asset in the locker room. As a result, his teammates have come to see him as a leader both on and off the field.
Faison’s Development as an Athlete
The time spent balancing football and lacrosse has not only shaped Jordan Faison’s physical development but also played a significant role in his mental and emotional growth as an athlete. Juggling two sports has allowed him to develop a unique set of skills that go beyond what is required in a single sport. For example, lacrosse’s emphasis on quick decision-making, fast reflexes, and mental toughness has had a positive impact on Faison’s football game. The skills he has developed on the lacrosse field—such as his ability to change direction quickly, make explosive cuts, and track the ball—translate directly into his wide receiver performance on the football field.
Similarly, Faison’s experience in football has enhanced his play on the lacrosse field. The hand-eye coordination, agility, and understanding of spacing that Faison has cultivated in football have helped him become a more effective lacrosse player. His ability to make sharp cuts, read defenses, and adjust his positioning on the fly has translated into greater success in lacrosse, where similar traits are essential for success.
Playing two sports simultaneously has also taught Faison how to manage his time effectively, stay disciplined, and maintain a high level of focus. He must carefully plan his days, prioritize tasks, and balance the demands of both teams and his academic commitments. This discipline and time management will serve him well throughout his college career and beyond.
What’s Next for Jordan Faison?
As Faison continues to thrive as a dual-sport athlete, his future looks bright. His ability to perform at a high level in both football and lacrosse has opened up opportunities for him, not only at Notre Dame but also in terms of his future professional aspirations. While his focus remains on contributing to the success of both the football and lacrosse teams at Notre Dame, his experiences thus far may shape the direction of his career once he graduates.
For now, Faison is enjoying the process and embracing the challenge of competing in two sports at the highest level. His resilience, work ethic, and passion for both football and lacrosse have earned him a well-deserved place in Notre Dame’s storied athletic tradition. As he continues to balance the physical and mental demands of both sports, Jordan Faison represents the best of what it means to be a student-athlete—someone who is committed to excellence, who takes pride in the opportunity to compete, and who is willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve his goals.
The story of Jordan Faison’s dual-sport commitment is one of perseverance, passion, and success. As he continues to pursue greatness in both football and lacrosse, Notre Dame fans can look forward to seeing more of Faison’s incredible journey and how his ability to excel in two sports will inspire future generations of student-athletes.