Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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16 APRIL/MAY 2026 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED did it," Freeman said. "There were no questions being asked. To me, that re- flects somebody that earned the trust of his players. The players trusted and respected him. No matter his physical stature, when he told you to do some- thing, you trusted that that's what was best for you, and you were gonna do it." Freeman said that one day, he wants to be remembered the same way Holtz is. "Everybody talks about him in a way that as a current head coach, you say, 'You know what, when I'm done coaching or when my time is up, I hope I can make an impact the way Coach Holtz did,'" Freeman said. "At Notre Dame, but also in college football. So, his legacy will live on, and his impact will still be felt in South Bend." ✦ winner had less to do about football and more to do about life. After two days of spring ball practice, he pulled me in his office and told me he thought I could win the Heisman. Going from not starting to starting at ND was enough but now this guy is saying I could win the Heisman. That was too much for my 19-year-old brain to digest. But for the next two weeks he kept bringing me into his office showing me on film what I was already doing without him asking me. Finally I told myself, 'Whatever he says, do it!!' I did and it changed my life!" — Tim Brown, Notre Dame wide receiver from 1984-87 "We lost a legend today. I will never be able to describe the impact this man had on my life and my kids' lives. The lessons were simple, but lasting. He pro- vided a structure that applies to everything in life. I am blessed to have known him and played for him. I'm so glad my children got to know him as well. Rest in Peace, Coach!" — Wes Pritchett, Notre Dame linebacker from 1985-88 "What do you say about the passing of a person who so drastically changes your life — who ultimately made me the person I am today? Comments like these are often said about a parent, relative or someone you've spent a signifi - cant amount of time with, Coach Holtz was none of those to me. "When I accepted a scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame from Coach Holtz, I had no idea how much my life would change. Sure, I could have gone to other schools, but why Notre Dame? Why Coach Holtz? "Was Coach hard on me — Yes. Did he make me do things I didn't want to do — Yes. Did he say things to me I didn't like — Yes. Did he teach me things I didn't understand at the time — Yes. Isn't that what a parent does with their children — Yes. I grew up without a father, so he became that father figure for me. "He taught us, he coached us, he prepared us — for life! I was 18 years old and I didn't truly understand what Trust, Love, and Commitment (the words etched on our national championship rings) meant. I just wanted to WIN football games, I didn't know he was teaching us how to WIN at the game of LIFE. "I have so many Coach Holtz stories, as do the players, coaches and managers (of the team) who spent time with him, but none stands out or has so profoundly affected my life as much as what happened one afternoon my freshman year. As a child and into my teens, I had a severe stuttering problem and rarely talked. … "Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Coach Holtz in helping me overcome my stuttering. Thank you, Coach, for making a difference in my life and turning me into the man I am today." — Chris Zorich, Notre Dame defensive lineman from 1987-90 "There are moments in life when words just aren't enough. Losing Coach Holtz is one of those moments. Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family. I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn't just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it's something I've carried with me my entire life. "Coach Holtz believed in people. He believed in building men, not just players. He welcomed my entire family into the Notre Dame family and always made sure we felt that love and support. That's who he was. He cared deeply about the people around him, and he made every one of us feel like we mattered. The les - sons he taught me went far beyond football. His faith, his discipline, his belief in doing things the right way shaped who I became as a man, a father, and a leader. "My heart is broken today, but I'm also filled with gratitude for the time I had with him and for the impact he had on my life. Coach will always be with us—in the lessons he taught, in the lives he changed, and in the love he gave so freely. "Thank you for everything, Coach. I love you. You will forever be in our hearts." — Jerome Bettis, Notre Dame running back from 1990-92 "Lou Holtz was more than a football figure. He was a true leader. One of one. He consistently encouraged others in life. The message never changed. Trust, Love, Commitment." — Rick Mirer, Notre Dame quarterback from 1989-92 "Coach Holtz touched so many lives. Those that played for him know he was more than just a coach. He was a mentor, motivator and father figure. For those that knew him, he was an inspiration. From humble beginnings to a national championship at ND, Coach was a winner. Notre Dame prides itself on being a 'force for good' and Coach Holtz epitomized that. "My favorite moment with Coach was before he spoke at a charity event for 3rd & Goal Foundation. We sat across from each other on benches at the Eck Visitors Center and he talked about his faith. He made sure I put my faith in Jesus Christ and understood what was most important in life. Coach never took a mo - ment for granted to make a difference. Rest in peace, Coach." — Brady Quinn, Notre Dame quarterback from 2003-06 "We were there for 10 years. I used to tell him all the time, 'I was never good enough to play for you. But I've got one big advantage on Notre Dame players: I got 10 years with you. They only got four.' "It was a great time. … Those were some of the best times of my career and my life. I'm really grateful for that friendship." — Rece Davis, who worked with Holtz at ESPN