ChatGPT ranks ten greatest players in Notre Dame football history
I’ll just get it out of the way and tell you that I have not been a fan of much related to AI (Artificial Intelligence) for a while. I was weirded out as a kid by Chess masters playing against a computer, I was freaked out by that movie with the kid from “The Sixth Sense”, and each time I try and chat with customer service online anymore I’m maddened to talk to a bot.
I digress, however. Our colleague Kevin McGuire at Nittany Lions Wire recently asked an AI bot to rank the 10 best players in Penn State football history. He shared the results and I thought it was intriguing so did the same with Notre Dame.
Here is what ChatGPT (a chatbot that is designed to give detailed information and is tasked with providing conversation-like answers) said when I asked it:
Who are the 10 best football players in Notre Dame history?
Aaron Taylor
RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive lineman, known for his strength and skill as a blocker, won the Lombardi Award in 1993.
Manti Te'o
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker, known for his tackling ability and leadership, was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2012.
Johnny Lujack
(AP Photo/Jacob Harris)
Quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 1947, known for his accuracy and leadership on the field.
Chris Zorich
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
Defensive lineman, known for his tenacity and leadership on the field, had a successful NFL career.
Rocket Ismail
USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver and kick returner, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability.
Jerome Bettis
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Running back, had a successful NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his power running style.
(AP Photo/Charles Bennett)
Wide receiver and kick returner, won the Heisman Trophy in 1987, known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
Knute Rockne
Knute Rockne, Notre Dame football coach, instructing football players, 1925. (AP Photo)
Legendary coach of the Notre Dame football team from 1918 to 1930, known for his innovative coaching methods and leadership.
Paul Hornung
AP Photo, File
Running back and kicker, won the Heisman Trophy in 1956, known for his versatility and playmaking ability.
Joe Montana
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback, known for his legendary career in the NFL, regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
It also added:
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and opinions may vary. Notre Dame has a rich football tradition with many legendary players, and different criteria can be used to determine the “best” players based on individual accomplishments, team success, and personal preferences.
A few quick thoughts on this list:
When I told my wife about this idea as a post yesterday she told me, “You’re going to be replaced by one of those in no-time” but after actually going through with this I’m not really in fear (for now).
How do you make any list of the best Notre Dame football players ever and not include Ross Browner?
Ever heard of George Gipp, AI?
Knute Rockne was the most important person in the building of Notre Dame football but as a player he wasn’t the best anything, let alone a top one in the history of this storied program.
Over love for NFL careers much? Bettis and Montana were both great, certainly at Notre Dame, but their resumes while in school wouldn’t have them ranked where they are here. AI has a bit of work to do in differentiating, that’s for certain.
