FGGAM received this news release:
New Book and Film Detailing the Inspiring True Story of the Unlikely Hero Who Took a Stand Against Tyranny By Taking a Knee Underway
When retired Marine Joe Kennedy became a football coach, he made a promise to give thanks to God after each game, no matter the outcome. What started as a simple act of thanks turned into an investigation by the school board and an attempt to silence one man’s freedom of speech and religion. A former atheist, Kennedy never imagined he’d lead the defense of Americans’ First Amendment rights. He certainly didn’t intend to be at odds with his wife, who was the school district’s personnel director. But his love for God and country and his never-say-die courage landed him in the fight of his life. After a seven-year legal battle, which went to the Supreme Court twice, Coach Kennedy not only won his case but set a precedent that will continue to protect First Amendment rights for generations to come.
On September 1, 2023, Coach Kennedy will make his much anticipated return to the football field in Bremerton, WA for the new season.
Coach Kennedy is releasing his debut book, Average Joe: The Coach Joe Kennedy Story (Salem Books, October 24, 2023) and sharing how God transformed his life and gave him the courage to take a knee while taking a stand for his beliefs. Full press release here.
A film about his life, also titled Average Joe, is currently in production.
Coach Joe Kennedy, a twenty-year Marine veteran, was an assistant coach for the Bremerton High School (BHS) varsity football team. Before he even coached his first game, the Marine-turned-football coach made a commitment to God that he would give thanks at the conclusion of each game for what the players had accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football. This was met with disapproval from his school district and turned into a lengthy court battle. On June 27, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Coach Kennedy and his First Amendment right and on March 8, 2023, Coach Kennedy was officially reinstated as assistant coach and is excited to be back with his team. Joe and his wife, Denise, are parents to four and reside currently in Pensacola. A film inspired by his life is in development. He continues to speak across the country promoting freedom of speech. His new book, Average Joe, will be available for purchase nationwide October 24, 2023. Connect with him online at https://coachjoekennedy.com/.
