We all have the obligation to not only succeed in life, but to help others in need as well. Such is the case of Jared Tomich. Tomich is a former-NFL football player who played on both the New Orleans Saints (from 1997 to 2000), the Green Bay Packers (from 2001 to 2002), and the Kansas City Chiefs (2003). An aspiring defensive end, Tomich graduated from Lake Central High School in 1992, making all state honors before attending the University of Nebraska.
Tomich was originally not academically eligible to play and sat out the year of 1993. Soon after, he was able to raise his academic performance, allowing him to play again. He joined the Cornhuskers as a defensive end and became a player that helped lead the Cornhuskers to 2 of their 3 National Championship titles. After earning All-American honors as a rush end in 1995 and 1996, he closed his career with 91 total tackles, including 26 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. Ten of Tomich’s sacks came as a junior in 1995, which greatly contributed to one of the most dominant Nebraska University defenses in school history. This defense was ranked No. 2 nationally with just 78.4 rushing yards allowed per game. He was granted the honor of being named a University of Nebraska Hall of Fame recipient in 2006.
Tomich is currently living in Northwest Indiana where he has opened a few businesses including his family-focused gym FUEL Fitness located in Cedar Lake, Zuni’s House of Pizza in both Dyer and Cedar Lake, and The Engine Room Alehouse in Dyer, just to name a few.  He has continued his involvement in various charitable organizations in the area and is the founder of the Halo of Hope Foundation. The Circle of Friends, a program funded by the Halo of Hope Foundation that offers both summer and winter camps, helps cancer-stricken children to feel independent, healthy, and free-spirited. Local Outreach, a program that involves fundraising for families in Omaha, Chicago, and Green Bay (just to name a few cities) who are in need of financial aid due to medical bills. Another program, Charities for Children, allows the Foundation to actively support many children’s organizations, such as the Grant Wistrom Foundation, the Jerry Wunsch Foundation, and even the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, through financial or merchandising means. Even though Tomich has achieved many great milestones in the NFL, he has never forgot to help those who have been less fortunate than he.
At the ending of Catholic schools Week this year Jared Tomich visited Bishop Noll Institute and gave a fantastic presentation to the faculty, staff, and students. His focus was his life story of determination, stewardship, and goodwill.  On behalf of everyone who was able to experience this special presentation, we send a special thank you to Jared Tomich, an excellent NFL player and a caring, compassionate person.