In 1973 the Fighting Irish football team led by head coach Ara Parseghian posted an undefeated (10-0) regular-season record to earn a trip to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to face undefeated (and No. 1 ranked) Alabama. In a hard-fought contest the Irish outlasted the Crimson Tide by the score of 24-23. It was Notre Dame's Tom Clements' clutch pass out of his own end zone on third-and-nine with two minutes left that made the difference and which has certainly gone down in history as one of the Sugar Bowl's most dramatic moments. Incredibly hero Robin Weber who caught the 36-yard pass was a second option who hadn't even caught a single pass the entire season! The '73 squad became the ninth Irish team to win the national title and the second under Parseghian. Although Notre Dame finished No. 1 in the AP Poll to claim the AP national title they were not awarded the Coaches title since Alabama was awarded that title before the bowl season began. Parseghian's second national title team was led by its relentless rushing attack which consisted of fullback Wayne Bullock (750 yards) halfback Art Best (700 yards) halfback Eric Penick (586 yards) and quarterback Tom Clements (360 yards). All-American tight end Dave Casper also made huge contributions throughout the season.

This lot features a 1973 Notre Dame Football National Champions 10K Gold staffer's ring ("Dawson"). The Balfour size 10-1/2 ring boasts 4 CZ stones in the raised border that reads "NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" and a gold "ND" inlaid in the central blue stone. One shank reads "DAWSON FIGHTING IRISH" with a large shamrock followed by "1973." The other shank reads: "NOTRE DAME 24 ALABAMA 23 SUGAR BOWL" with the Sugar Bowl trophy on top of "McArthur Stadium" the site of the game. The band is engraved with "DAWSON" and "LGB 10K." Ring presents in outstanding condition with light wear.