The Fighting Irish are ready to fight for the one last time this season, much like the underdog story in Creed III. Now it all comes down to the Bucks, who may snatch the trophy, or Marcus Freeman’s team, who might make history after 27 years.

No matter what happens, it is undeniable that Freeman’s dedication and hard work have propelled his team to this point. They have faced strong opponents such as Georgia, standing strong and eliminating them with unwavering determination.

But Freeman’s focus went beyond performance; he integrated faith into football. A perfect illustration of this is the revival of the game-day tradition where players attend Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart before going to the stadium. Freeman took these measures to make faith an integral aspect of his team’s identity, creating a special connection that drives their success both on and off the field.

Marcus Freeman’s sudden shift to Christianity

Marcus Freeman made a bold decision in August 2022, converting to Catholicism just before kicking off his first season at Notre Dame. This wasn’t a sudden choice, though knowing Freeman’s background in both Korean and Christian church faiths showed his conversion wasn’t out of the blue.

Talking about his decision in a media call in September 2022, Freeman described the move as “a family decision, a personal decision.” Moreover, his wife and kids already practiced Catholicism, but Freeman chose to take that step himself.

After making his decision, Marcus Freeman prepped with his team chaplain, Father Nate Wills, and received the sacrament during a special Mass at the university’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart. A few weeks later, Freeman’s local parish proudly announced, “Marcus made a profession of faith, was confirmed, and received his First Holy Communion.” That moment marked a major turning point in Freeman’s spiritual journey. Plus, it’s not only about Freeman’s belief system and spiritual journey but also how he integrated it into his team.

Marcus Freeman’s faith impact on leadership

Well, it’s quite evident that this season Marcus Freeman has emerged as a prominent figure in college football, not only because he has guided Notre Dame to the verge of their first national championship since 1988, but also due to the manner in which he has achieved this feat. As the head coach for three years, the 39-year-old Freeman has fostered a culture at Notre Dame that revolves around humility, doing things with integrity, and nurturing the overall growth of individuals, which includes a focus on their faith lives.

Additionally, Freeman isn’t shy in his desire for players to deepen their faith. He expressed, “I want our guys to wonder about what it means to embrace Jesus Christ,” reflecting his clear approach that faith holds equal importance to football within his program. Consequently, he has created an environment where players can explore and develop spiritually alongside their athletic progress.

Moreover, quarterback Riley Leonard, a committed evangelical Christian, highlights their Bible study as one of the team’s “biggest bragging points”, with 40 players actively participating. On game days, the team chaplain designates a saint, distributing a medal and delivering a brief catechetical talk. Furthermore, just before taking the field for kickoff, the players collectively recite the Lord’s Prayer in the locker room. As they prepare for their high-stakes clash against the Bucks, the excitement builds, leaving us to wonder if this faith-driven approach will propel them to victory. Only time will reveal the answer.