Notre Dame vs. Alabama: Danny Spond's number honors Columbine victims

Notre Dame linebacker Danny Spond grew up in Littleton, Colo., and attended Columbine High School from 2006-09. The school was the site of one of the worst mass shootings in American history on April 20, 1999, and Spond honors Columbine's 13 victims every game by wearing No. 13.

After the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, Spond was asked how an event like that affects a small town. While the tragedy in Columbine was awful, Spond says the community has rallied together in the years since:

"It brought us together, it brought the community together," Spond added of the tragedy his hometown experienced. "It really built a society, an area that takes care of each other."

In 10 games this season, Spond has 38 tackles, three pass break-ups, one tackle for loss and one interception. Last season in South Bend, he compiled 13 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.

The Fighting Irish meet the Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS Championship Game at Miami's Sun Life Stadium on Monday, Jan. 7. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised on ESPN.