Morristown, N.J. – September 15, 2026 -- Notre Dame football fans who grind through touchdown push-ups all season can now win $1,000 for their effort, as Icy Hot launches a campaign rewarding the Fighting Irish faithful for one of college football's toughest fan traditions.
Fans at Notre Dame home games average between 147 and 189 push-ups per game, according to statistics provided by Notre Dame Athletics, as the crowd drops for every touchdown scored. Icy Hot, now in its second year as the Official Topical Pain Relief Partner of Notre Dame Athletics, is teaming up with former Fighting Irish captain and offensive lineman Zack Martin to recognize that effort.
A live contest on November 21 will crown an official champion
The season-long campaign includes campus activations, social content, and product giveaways throughout the year. It culminates on Saturday, November 21, ahead of Notre Dame's final home regular-season game, when Icy Hot will host a live, on-site push-ups contest. The fan who completes the most push-ups will be crowned the Official Icy Hot x Notre Dame Push-Ups Champion, winning a $1,000 grand prize and an Icy Hot prize pack.
Zack Martin says fan arms take a beating too
"The players on the field aren't the only ones putting in the work on Saturdays," said Martin, who relied on Icy Hot for recovery during his playing career and still uses it today. He said fans are "grinding out push-ups every single touchdown," and their arms feel it afterward.
Icy Hot frames the partnership as fan-focused pain relief
Rob Carter, Head of Brand & Innovation, Topical Pain at Opella, said the brand's mission is to deliver targeted pain relief "directly to where it hurts" for athletes and fans alike. Icy Hot holds the distinction of being Notre Dame's first Official Topical Pain Relief Partner.
Updates on the contest and activations will run on Icy Hot's Instagram and TikTok channels throughout the season.