Marcus Freeman understands the college football experience firsthand, having played at Ohio State from 2004 to 2008. While the game has evolved since then, Freeman still relates to what today’s players go through. As the head coach at Notre Dame, he holds himself to the same high standards he sets for his players, especially in shaping them as individuals.
When asked about the unique pressures of leading a storied program like Notre Dame, Freeman didn’t focus on wins or championships. Instead, he emphasized the deeper responsibility of guiding young athletes both on and off the field. “The pressure you put on yourself is to help mold and help young people grow and reach their goals as football players and as men,” Freeman said.
There’s always an expectation to win and to lead one of the nation’s top programs, but Freeman believes that developing good men is just as crucial sometimes even more so. This philosophy is a key part of Notre Dame’s appeal to recruits and their families. Players want to know their coach sees them as more than athletes, and parents want to be assured their children are in good hands.
Building a winning program isn’t just about championships, it’s about the kind of people it produces. Nick Saban exemplified that at Alabama, creating not just a dynasty but a culture of growth. If Freeman can replicate that approach at Notre Dame, it would be a legacy worth celebrating.
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