Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, stands on the precipice of achieving a feat not accomplished since 1988: leading the Irish to a national championship. His journey to this pivotal moment is intertwined with his personal faith journey, a conversion to Catholicism that has profoundly shaped his leadership and resonated with his players. Freeman’s decision to return to the tradition of pregame Mass, a practice he admired even before converting, underscores his commitment to integrating faith into the team’s culture. This commitment to faith, he believes, is a key component of the team’s success, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that extends beyond the gridiron.
Freeman’s path to Notre Dame began under his predecessor, Brian Kelly. When Kelly departed for LSU, Freeman faced a critical juncture. Choosing to remain at Notre Dame, he embraced the opportunity to lead the storied program. Upon assuming the head coaching role, one of his first acts was to reinstate the tradition of pregame Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a practice that had been discontinued. This decision was deeply personal for Freeman, harkening back to his own experience as a high school recruit witnessing the team’s reverence before a game. He felt a strong conviction to restore this tradition, viewing it as an integral part of the Notre Dame identity.
Raised a Christian, Freeman’s spiritual journey evolved during his time at Notre Dame. He embarked on a path towards Catholicism, culminating in his baptism and first Holy Communion in 2022. This transformation was guided by the team chaplain, Father Nate Wills, and further solidified by the faith-centered environment of the university. Freeman emphasizes that Notre Dame encourages spiritual growth, regardless of specific religious affiliation, promoting the importance of believing in something greater than oneself. This philosophy permeates the team’s culture, fostering an environment where faith is openly embraced and discussed.
This emphasis on faith is not merely a philosophical stance for Freeman; it’s a practical application of trust and belief, extending beyond empirical evidence. He believes that faith empowers individuals to persevere through challenges, fostering resilience and determination. This conviction is echoed in the team’s motto, emphasizing trust beyond what can be seen or known. This principle resonates deeply within the team, uniting players under a shared belief system that transcends the game itself. Freeman believes this shared faith provides a powerful source of strength and motivation, contributing to the team’s remarkable success.
Quarterback Riley Leonard’s story mirrors Freeman’s in its emphasis on faith and divine guidance. After an injury sidelined him at Duke University, Leonard sought a new beginning. He felt drawn to Notre Dame, believing it was his divinely ordained destination. His prayers for guidance were seemingly answered with an offer from Notre Dame, solidifying his conviction that he was meant to be a part of the Fighting Irish. Leonard’s open expression of his faith reinforces the spiritual undercurrent within the team, highlighting the importance of belief in shaping their individual and collective journeys.
The convergence of Freeman’s and Leonard’s faith journeys highlights the spiritual dimension of Notre Dame football. Freeman leads by example, openly sharing his faith and encouraging players to explore their own spirituality. The team holds regular Bible studies, fostering an environment where faith is not just tolerated but actively nurtured. This open embrace of faith distinguishes Notre Dame from many other collegiate programs, creating a unique culture where players can freely express their beliefs and find strength in their shared spirituality. As Freeman and his team prepare for the national championship game, their faith serves as a unifying force, a source of strength and inspiration as they strive to achieve their ultimate goal. The inscription above the Basilica’s entrance, “God, Country, Notre Dame, In Glory Everlasting,” encapsulates the values that underpin the program and the aspirations of the team.
