Watch: Manti Te'o makes emotional return to Notre Dame
Nearly a decade ago, Manti Te'o was seemingly on top of the world.
Te'o was a standout linebacker for Notre Dame and a finalist for almost every collegiate football award under the sun.
Then, things came crashing down.
The national spotlight would shine brightly on Te'o, but not for his accolades on the gridiron. Te'o fell victim to an elaborate catfishing scheme that, once revealed, turned the budding stars' world upside down.
Earlier this year, Netflix released a series allowing Te'o to tell the "untold" truth of the story. On Saturday, Te'o took another step toward putting the past behind him.
Te'o made a triumphant return to South Bend ahead of Notre Dame's matchup against the California Golden Bears.
Seemingly everywhere Te'o went on Saturday, he was greeted enthusiastically by the Irish faithful.
Te'o also took time to fire up the crowd outside the stadium before the game.
Before kick-off, Te'o was recognized on the stadium video board and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Te'o played in the NFL for seven seasons after being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
However, the unpleasant incident in college seemingly haunted him throughout his pro career, as Te'o never reached the level many had predicted. Te'o registered 307 tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks over 62 career games for the Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.
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