Dear Holtz’s Heroes Family,
Coach Holtz often reminds us that “players come and go, but teammates are forever.” This truth becomes more evident with every passing season of life. The Holtz Heroes family has shared many moments that reflect the full circle of our bond—celebrations, milestones, challenges, and farewells.
We celebrated the retirement of General Bryan Fenton, Coach Holtz’s very first Notre Dame student manager after 38 years of service to the United States. We also celebrated the children of former players who received scholarship offers—proof that the next generation carries the same spirit of dedication and excellence. We gathered to celebrate a teammate’s son’s 21st birthday—a reminder that our families are part of this extended brotherhood. We also celebrated a teammate who continues to overcome his battle with addiction. Coach emphasized that this, too, is what reunions are about: being there for one another through every victory and every struggle. In another season of life, we mourned the passing of our dear teammate, Larry Williams. His memory reminds us how precious time and connection truly are.
At our board meeting, members came together in person to reflect on our accomplishments and set goals for the year ahead. But the most meaningful moment wasn’t in the agenda—it was when we passed a phone around the room to record messages for a teammate battling cancer. Each person spoke their name, their playing years under Coach Holtz, and a few heartfelt words of encouragement. It was our way of saying, “You’re not fighting alone. We’re in this together.”
Holtz’s Heroes Foundation carries Coach Holtz’s legacy forward: supporting teammates, providing scholarships, and serving our communities.
Help us continue that mission. Please consider donating at holtzsheroes.org/donate/ to make a lasting impact.
Love. Trust. Commitment.
Reggie Brooks
Executive Director
Rbrooks@holtzsheroes.org
Save the Date
Holtz’s Heroes Foundation will host Irish Legends 2026 on April 26-27, 2026.
All proceeds will support Holtz’s Heroes Foundation.
4 for Forever
“I still remember when Lou Holtz came to my house. He didn’t just speak to me as an athlete; he spoke to me as a young man—and he spoke to my mom as a mom.
Lou made a promise to her that I’d be taken care of at the University of Notre Dame.
That respect and trust left an impact on me that’s lasted my whole life.”
-Jerome Bettis
Coach Holtz made a promise to Gladys “Mama Bus” Bettis when he visited the Bettis family to recruit Jerome in Detroit. Decades later, Coach Holtz continued to hold true to his promise.
The hug between Coach Holtz and Mama Bus says it all. Mama Bus returned to Notre Dame to watch her grandson Jerome Bettis Jr. play for the Fighting Irish football team, while Coach Holtz returned for the Holtz’s Heroes Reunion.
Love, Trust, and Commitment impact generations.
What would we fight for?
Holtz’s Heroes Foundation is fighting for those that lack consistent access to nutritious food for an active, healthy life. The people we fight for frequently don’t have sufficient money and other resources to fight food insecurity themselves. These are our fellow Americans and their needs fuel our fight.
Holtz’s Heroes Foundation volunteers and volunteers from the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island joined U.S. Coast Guard personnel to collect 10,000 items of food. This food will be donated to the U.S. Coast Guard Military Food Bank on Staten Island. This is a food bank that helps supplement food for our military personnel on Staten Island, in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan from the U.S. Coast Guard, US Navy, and US Army who provide security for the New York City Harbor.
Like a well-oiled Coach Holtz team, we didn’t wait on the opponent to strike first. We took our fight straight to the opponent. We are ensuring these individuals and families have food resources for the next few weeks and Thanksgiving.
What would we fight for?
The selfless individuals who put their lives on the line to protect and defend each of us in the United States and across the globe.
We are forever and always, THE FIGHTING IRISH!
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
