The making of an alpha male
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, recently described tight end Cooper Flanagan as an "alpha male" during a practice session, emphasizing the player’s dominant on‑field demeanor.
At 6‑foot‑6 and 255 pounds, Flanagan blends size with a physicality that sets him apart, a trait that traces back to his early days as a lacrosse prodigy at De La Salle High School before he transitioned to football.
The coach’s compliment was met with a measured response from Flanagan, who acknowledged the praise while noting that he has been teased for his assertive behavior but views the recognition as a badge of honor.
Flanagan is known for engaging in spirited scrapes during drills, including a notable clash with safety Adon Shuler, and for aggressively blocking linebackers and defensive ends to drive opponents back in the running game.
Teammates such as James Flanagan and Ty Washington share this aggressive mindset, creating a unit that embraces physical competition and reinforces the tight ends’ role in the defense.
Family influence also shapes his approach; Flanagan’s parents, both former college athletes, and his older brother, an industrial engineer, instilled a competitive spirit that he carries onto the field.
As the September 6 season opener against Wisconsin approaches, the Irish are preparing to test this aggressive identity at Lambeau Field, where the storied venue adds an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.