Yesterday was the funeral for college football legend Lou Holtz, who inspired countless people not just as a football coach but as a motivational speaker. Among the many he helped through the years was Dale Earnhardt Jr., who reflected on the Hall of Fame coach's passing.
Taking to X last night, Earnhardt revealed that he invited Holtz to speak to his company's employees in 2001 following the tragic death of his own father, Dale Earnhardt Sr. He said that Holtz inspired the company and served as a huge help to them in their moment of grief.
"When my dad passed in 2001 our entire company was devastated. I wondered how best to empower our employees and our own mental toughness. So I invited Lou to come speak. He got us fired up and helped us realize the opportunity we had in front of us. It was a huge help to us all," Earnhardt wrote on X.
An inspiration
Fans applauded Earnhardt for retelling that story and reflected on their own grief over Dale Sr.'s death as well as time that they met with Holtz for inspiration.
"When your dad passed a majority of the country including myself was devastated. He was hero to some of us kids at the time and we loved watching him race. It’s never been the same.. God Speed," one user wrote.
"Coach spoke at one of our National Sales Meetings, wonderful man and very inspiring," wrote another.
"The impact Lou had on so many people and places is just really amazing to see. Talk about leaving your mark on the world," a third said.
"My friend Vic worked at DEI when your dad passed. He told me about it from an inside perspective. All I had ever known was the fan perspective. Fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time."
© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
Holtz won a national championship with Notre Dame and turned a half-dozen football programs into winners during his four decades as a head coach.
He passed away on March 4 at the age of 89.
