Marcus Freeman’s path to the national championship isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s a story of grit, sacrifice, and family. Marcus Freeman’s already making history by being the first Black & first Asian-American head coach in the national championship game. As he leads Notre Dame in the biggest game in decades, Freeman dropped a heartfelt nod to the person who sacrificed everything for their family: his mom, Chong Freeman.

Marcus Freeman didn’t hold back while giving props and flowers when asked about his mom ahead of the national championship. “It’s the ultimate display of sacrifice and selflessness. That’s what I think about my mom and her journey to the United States,” Freeman said, reflecting on his mother, Chong. She worked three jobs while his dad, Michael, served in the Air Force, ensuring their family stayed afloat during his military tours. Chong, who came to the U.S. from Daegu, South Korea, carried the family on her back—waking up at dawn, grinding nonstop, and raising a future trailblazer.

Marcus Freeman’s life story literally hits different, for real. Growing up, he didn’t even know how unique his family was. “I don’t think when I was young, I was really aware of, you know, I had a minority mother,” Marcus said. “I just knew her as mom.” But as he got older, it clicked—his mom’s grind shaped everything. Chong, a Korean immigrant, worked crazy hard—3 jobs, learning English, and raising kids. That kind of hustle is straight legendary and no doubt rubbed off on Marcus.

His parents’ story is something out of a drama. Michael Freeman was out on his second Air Force tour when he met Chong in South Korea. They vibed, tied the knot in ’77, and by ’79 they were starting fresh in Abilene, Texas. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Michael got shipped off to Turkey for a year, leaving Chong to hold it down solo.

She worked at Texas Instruments, hit up English classes, and still handled business at home. Talk about carrying the team. Safe to say, Marcus Freeman got that from his mama. And that’s the energy Marcus carries into everything he does now.

Marcus Freeman gives big props to his pops

Marcus Freeman’s roots in discipline and resilience trace back to his dad, Michael Freeman, a proud Air Force veteran. As Pete Thamel wrote for Yahoo Sports in December 2021, “The Air Force stationed Michael Freeman at Osan Air Base in South Korea in the 1970s. While there, he met Chong.” Their love story laid the foundation for the values, morals, humbleness, and class that Marcus carries today that you don’t usually see in other CFB coaches.

Growing up, Marcus saw firsthand how his dad’s military background shaped their family. “With my father being in the military, we had routine, we had structure,” Marcus said. Mornings in the Freeman house hit different.

Michael would wake up Marcus and his brother at the crack of dawn—5-something in the morning—to start their day. While Michael crushed his workouts, the boys followed his lead. “Running in place where he finishes his workout, then we begin our workouts. Those are memories that lasts forever.” The Notre Dame HC recalled it as a core memory.

And here’s the wild part: Marcus’ parents barely come to games, but for this one? They’re showing up. “The only thing different about this game is that my mom and dad are going to be there,” Marcus said ahead of Natty. You know it means something big when they’re in the building. With everything on the line, having them in the crowd while he’s making history? That’s a whole vibe—full-circle magic, straight up. With the game paused at halftime, can Marcus Freeman and his boys finally end 37-years of title drought? Win or lose, his folks are already proud. No lie.