Football Coach Who Was Fired for Praying Set for Triumphant Return to the Field – And He Isn’t Done Giving ‘God the Glory’

Mike LandryAugust 18, 2023

Coach Kennedy Returns to the Field, Defending His Right to Pray

Get ready for an exciting game on September 1st as the Bremerton Knights hit the high school ⁣football‍ field for their first match of the season. But what makes this ⁤game even more special is the return of Coach Kennedy.

Eight years⁤ ago, the Bremerton School⁢ District in Washington’s Puget Sound area made the controversial ‌decision to remove assistant coach Joe Kennedy from his position. His offense? Taking a ⁤knee at the 50-yard line to pray after games.

In a time of increasing ⁣social issues and challenges in schools, Coach Kennedy’s act of prayer was deemed unacceptable.⁢ However, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled ⁢in a 6-3 decision that the school district violated Kennedy’s First‍ Amendment rights and ordered⁤ his ⁣reinstatement.

“I’m ⁢a little nervous, to ⁣tell you the truth,” Kennedy admitted in an exclusive interview with⁣ Seattle’s KOMO-TV. “And it’s more ‌just because the first game is coming up and… ⁤I got to… knock the rust off. It’s been a while.”

After years of fighting for his job, ‍Kennedy expressed gratitude for ‍the millions of people who supported⁢ and prayed for him ⁤throughout the United⁤ States. Their ‍unwavering support ⁣kept him going during the long and heartbreaking legal‌ battle.

The school district has indicated that it will comply with the Supreme Court’s order and treat Kennedy’s religious beliefs the same as those of other district‍ employees. Kennedy, a former U.S. Marine, joined the school district in⁤ 2008 and began his tradition of taking a knee at the 50-yard line to silently pray. Over time, his players⁢ and even opposing players joined him ⁤in these post-game prayers.

Despite the challenges he ‌faced, Kennedy remained committed to giving God the ‍glory after every game. As he returns to the field for the 2023 season,⁤ he plans to continue this⁢ tradition, regardless of any potential ⁤restrictions.

“That’s my tradition; that’s what I’ll do,” Kennedy affirmed. “I’ll be just as⁢ good, really makes no difference. God doesn’t care, but I want to be thankful. I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand ⁤after⁢ the game. I might be a little emotional about it, and taking a knee might be a good thing.”

Coach Kennedy’s triumphant return to the ‍field is not just a victory for him, but ⁤also for freedom of religion. As the battle for⁣ religious freedom continues, we thank Coach Kennedy for his unwavering commitment‌ and ultimately, give thanks to God.