Jordan Botelho: From Notre Dame to the Minnesota Vikings - A Journey to the NFL
Jordan Botelho, a former defensive end for Notre Dame football, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. Botelho played a total of 62 games during his time at Notre Dame, starting in 2020. He was granted an extra year of eligibility due to a COVID exemption, allowing him to return for a sixth season in 2025. Unfortunately, his fifth season was cut short by a knee injury.
In his senior season at Notre Dame, Botelho had an impressive performance with 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks in 13 games. Despite a promising start to the 2024 season, his knee injury sidelined him. Botelho finished his college career with 97 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks, showcasing his defensive skills on the field.
Originally from Honolulu St. Louis, Botelho was a highly-rated recruit, ranked as the No. 9 edge defender and No. 129 overall in the 2020 class by Rivals Industry Ranking. At Notre Dame's Pro Day, he showcased his athleticism by completing all testing aspects, including bench pressing 225 pounds 21 times, jumping 36.5 inches vertically, and running the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds.
With his signing by the Minnesota Vikings, Botelho is set to embark on his NFL career, bringing his talent and experience from Notre Dame to the professional level. His dedication and performance on the field have earned him this opportunity to continue his football journey in the NFL.