Dear Holtz’s Heroes Family,
Notre Dame fans know Tim Brown as the Heisman Trophy winner and an NFL Hall of Famer, and they know Coach Lou Holtz as a legendary National Championship coach. But few know why Coach Holtz attended the Heisman presentation. Coach Holtz has shared that he didn’t go to celebrate Tim’s victory; he went to be there to be with Tim in case he didn’t win. That is the heart of true leadership, loyalty, and love.
That is who Coach Holtz is. And it reflects the foundation of everything he has taught us through his three simple rules:
1. Do what’s right.
2. Do everything to the best of your ability.
3. Show people you care.
I’ve witnessed these rules lived out countless times within our Holtz’s Heroes family. I’ve seen our brothers show up for each other through both the wins and the losses.
I’ve watched our teammates rally together to collect over 500,000 pounds of food for our communities.
I’ll never forget watching one of our teammates stand up and share, with deep humility, that he would not be alive today if it weren’t for Holtz’s Heroes. It was this brotherhood that stood by him, lifted him, and helped lead him back to life.
This is the bond Coach Holtz created. It’s the reason legends like Tim Brown still light up every time they see him—grateful for a man who cared about them far beyond the field. Coach has been there for us in the good times and the hard times.
Wins, trophies, and accomplishments are meaningful—but they are temporary. What lasts is the brotherhood we share and the impact we make together.
As we enter this season of giving, I invite you to carry forward Coach Holtz’s legacy. Your donation—whether large or small—directly supports our mission living out Coach’s values of love, trust, and commitment.
From our Holtz’s Heroes family to yours, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving filled with many blessings.
Reggie Brooks
Executive Director
Rbrooks@holtzsheroes.org
Gratitude from Coach Holtz
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could grab each and everyone’s hand and tell you how appreciative I am, but more importantly, how appreciative the teammates are, because that’s what it’s all about. Remember, I said before, if there’s no money, there is no cause. And we couldn’t do any of this if it wasn’t for the people who have supported us. And there are people who supported us with their time, their effort, and more importantly with their finances. We have so many people who are willing to do the groundwork. It’s so important that we have people that believe in what we’re trying to do and make a difference. Come be part of us. We need your help. I won’t be around much longer, but I hope that years from now this thing grows bigger and better than ever because we want to help other people.”
– Coach Holtz
Holtz’s Heroes Mission
Holtz’s Heroes Foundation, Inc. is not a political organization. Holtz’s Heroes Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and extending the legacy of Love, Trust, and Commitment exemplified by Coach Lou Holtz and his players, coaches, and staff.
Holtz’s Heroes Foundation, Inc.
- Supports former student-athletes facing financial, physical, or mental hardships
- Provides scholarship aid to deserving youth
- Serves communities in need through charitable works
