Chicago State Hires Former NFL Player Chris Zorich as New Athletics Director

Zorich earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at Notre Dame

Zorich Promises to ‘Change the Game’ through an Energizing Mix of Academics, Athletics And a Plan to Reinvigorate Student-Athletes

CHICAGO, Illinois --Chicago State University officials announced today the hiring of former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich as its new Director of Athletics. Zorich, who has held multiple leadership positions since his NFL days, most recently headed the Athletics department at Prairie State College where he managed the college’s NJCAA Division I and II sponsored sports teams and fostered initiatives for raising academic requirements while improving win-loss percentages.

“The main motivation for taking this job is that I see Chicago State as a hidden gem,” said Zorich. “I’m honored to become a part of the CSU family. I plan to bring together resources that I have found in places like the University of Notre Dame and help create a culture that will produce student-athletes who are encouraged to always do their best and to define success, not as much by whether they become professional athletes, but rather by a well-rounded ability to do well and be truly successful in life.”

A graduate of Chicago Vocational Academy (formerly CVS), Zorich began his football career at the University of Notre Dame where he finished as an all-American and won a national championship in 1988. He was later drafted by the Chicago Bears where he played from 1991-1997. After retirement, he returned to Notre Dame where he received a law degree. Despite his achievements on the field, he unabashedly shares that he grew up poor and says while he will begin with a listening tour of all CSU departments and colleges, he plans to create a community service program for developing business and community-based partnerships.

“I believe in outreach and inclusiveness and look forward to joining CSU leadership in building bridges to mutually beneficial relationships as well as to new development and growth opportunities for our student-athletes.”

“We are excited about having Chris as the new Director of Athletics,” said Rachel Lindsey, Interim President. “I believe he brings the kind of authentic knowledge, support and guidance that could change the game for the University’s athletic program, and we are counting on him to take that lead.”
Zorich, who begins his new job on May 8, says student-athletes can expect a reliable support system and structured programs that will include a focus on time management and academic success as well as athletic achievements.

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Founded in 1867, Chicago State University is a nationally accredited university with five colleges- Health Sciences, Arts and Science, Business, Education, and Pharmacy – offering 36 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree-granting programs. Consistently evolving to reflect state-of-the-art trends in higher education, Chicago State University prepares students for success in the twenty-first century. For more information, please visit www.csu.edu.