Marcus Freeman Reflects on Coaching for National Title on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
As the 2024 college football season concludes with No. 6 Ohio State facing No. 3 Notre Dame for the national championship on Monday, Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman is also addressing his potential historic achievement. If victorious, Freeman would become the first Black and Asian head coach to win a national title.
The championship game coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, prompting Freeman to field numerous questions about the significance of this milestone. Though he has generally preferred to keep the focus on his team, Freeman addressed the matter at length on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of respecting the holiday.
“I don’t want to equate the national championship game with what Dr. King accomplished for our country,” Freeman said. “January 20th, MLK Day, is about honoring Dr. King’s life and the profound impact he had on our nation. The significance of that day should not be overshadowed by the national championship.”
Freeman, whose father Michael is African American and mother Chong is Korean American, reflected on the legacy of Dr. King. “Dr. King’s example shows us how to turn our beliefs into action, create change, and fight for what we believe in,” Freeman said. “It’s a legacy I strive to follow, and one I hope everyone in our program does too. Regardless of skin color, the impact he made on Americans is monumental.”
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