OPINION:
Each Father’s Day, we reflect on fathers’ devotion across America. Being a father to my own children has been my most challenging coaching job, but it is also the greatest privilege life has bestowed upon me. As a former head football coach, I hold dear another profound role: being a father figure to my players.
Football has taught me wonderful lessons in fatherhood. It’s about making tough decisions, experiencing loss and discouragement, and most of all, making personal sacrifices for the team. I’ve coached countless players who grew up without a father in the home, and I made it my goal to build good players and also to build good fathers — fathers with the courage to rise to the occasion and embrace responsibility.
I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care. More fulfilling to me than winning a national championship was seeing my players break the cycle of fatherlessness that plagues our country.
In a recent speech, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker broke the internet when he shared profound insights about the joys of parenthood and the importance of maintaining strong family values.
His message was heavily scrutinized and criticized by Americans who have been taught by the liberal media and other “woke” institutions to dismiss traditional family values. But it resonated deeply with many others who have continued to prioritize faith and family. Mr. Butker’s dedication to his family contrasts sharply with the troubling trend of some players having multiple children with different women, a pattern that perpetuates cycles of instability and fatherlessness. Yet the media never criticize these athletes for this reckless behavior.
The problem expands far beyond pro football players. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 18 million children live without a father. The damage to a fatherless child is heartbreaking. Among youth, those from fatherless homes are two to three times as likely to be expelled or suspended from school, account for 63% of youth suicides, and are four times as likely to live in poverty.
The NFL wields immense cultural influence, reaching tens of millions of fans across the globe. Players are not just athletes; they are role models whose actions and values shape societal norms. The league has proudly promoted various social causes over the years. Now, it’s time to add fatherhood to this roster of causes, recognizing that strong fathers are crucial to children’s well-being and society’s fabric.
The NFL is uniquely positioned to drive a cultural shift and be a leader in addressing America’s fatherlessness crisis. By highlighting, rather than dismissing, stories like Mr. Butker’s and supporting initiatives that encourage responsible fatherhood, the league can inspire players and fans alike.
A poignant illustration of the potential impact comes from Jack Brewer, a former player I have been blessed to work with at the America First Policy Institute and respect very much. Jack is a three-time NFL team captain who has dedicated his life to addressing the crisis of fatherlessness. His actions and words serve as a beacon, showing that it is possible to excel professionally while prioritizing family responsibilities, being bold in your faith, and combating destructive popular culture. Jack’s work has inspired countless men to take an active role in their children’s lives, breaking cycles of fatherlessness and building stronger communities.
The NFL has the power to amplify this message and the messages of hundreds more players, fostering a culture of reverence and support for fatherhood.
Let’s call on the NFL to take action. Imagine the impact of a league-wide campaign celebrating fatherhood, featuring players sharing their experiences and challenges as fathers. By celebrating and promoting the values of responsible fatherhood, the NFL can help shift societal norms and address some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today.
The time for action is now. Fathers, coaches, mentors and community leaders all have a role to play in nurturing the next generation. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Let’s respond by stepping up and making a difference. The future of our children, and indeed our nation, depends on it.
• Lou Holtz is a legendary college football coach, chairman of the Center for 1776 at the America First Policy Institute, and host of the podcast “The Lou Holtz Show.”
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