Just My Type

MT: My parents always told me to live my life through faith. Whenever I have a big decision I need help with, I pray about it. I was in the middle of English class, watching Dead Poets Society. It's about a boy who wants to be [an actor] but his father wants [him to be a doctor]. I could relate to his struggle with the decision. I just closed my eyes in the middle of class. Right when I said, "Amen," I had this overwhelming feeling that I had to go to Notre Dame. Twenty-four hours later I announced it. Four years later I can honestly say it was the best decision of my life.

DP: Why do you deserve the Heisman Trophy?

MT: Because my team deserves it. Without my team, I wouldn't be a candidate. [The honor] represents them and the success [we have] had so far.

DP: What if you won it and took pieces off the trophy and gave them to your teammates.

MT: I think that would be right. They deserve just as much of the trophy as I do.

DP: So you'd take it apart?

MT: [Laughs.] Most likely I wouldn't.

DP: You could do like NHL players do with the Stanley Cup and let them each borrow the trophy for a day.

MT: That sounds like a good idea, actually.