03/04/2026
A LEGEND HAS PASSED
I just learned of Coach Lou Holtz passing. We knew he was in hospice these past several weeks but this news still hits hard. My heart is bleeding right now. He meant so much to so many, myself included. In these times of mourning I always feel the need to ask my friends to tell your loved ones that they are indeed loved and how much you appreciate them. You’ll never be sorry that you did! One blessing is that I had the opportunity to send the following to Coach last month:
Coach, I'm sitting in my office in the U.S. Capitol and I know one thing for certain. I wouldn't be had I not crossed your path. In short, you're a legend and I love you.
I had the honor of introducing you about a half dozen times over the last decade or so. Each time I would mention that if you read a bio of Coach Holtz it will tell you he has two sons. But that's wildly inaccurate. He actually has 1,502. That's how Coach's players see him. A coach, a mentor, a friend and very much a second father. You demanded the best from all of us and taught us to dig deep and reach our full potential. You taught us not to exist but to live. Not to wallow but to thrive! Not just to dream but to act. You taught us to take hold of our own future and fates. So many of us did just that.
I often times share with people that you came out and did a fundraiser for me in 2018 when I was running for the Texas Senate. I share that not to name drop or impress people. I share it because it says so much about who YOU are! You helped a reserve player who you coached 25+ years prior, flew across the country and refused payment. That's who you are! Generous beyond measure and a great American patriot of our republic. You are to be admired and emulated.
Coach, you inspired us to be the men the good Lord made us to be. I was reading the other day that at some point for most of us there will come a day when our name will be spoken for the last time. For most of us. Not for you. Your name will live on for eternity. You're a legend. And you know what damn it? You earned it Coach!
God bless you. And Coach? Thank you!
Pat Fallon