Former Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Donald Trump is honoring former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The nation’s highest civilian honor is awarded to “individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” as the White House press release reads.

During the ceremony in the Oval Office on Thursday, Holtz attributed his success to the actions of others.

“I feel so indebted to so many people in my life and had such a positive influence on it. For a guy that graduated in the lower third of his high school class, I feel fortunate to be able to be here,” Holtz said.

He added, “But also, to be a part of this great country and to be next to the individual that I respect as much as him. You’ve honored a lot of people, you go look at all the people and Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. They recognized for what they did. I’m recognized for what other people did.”

Watch his comments below:

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also attended the ceremony.

“All of us in South Carolina love coach Holtz. He’s a deserving recipient of the medal of freedom,” Graham said.

Check out his remarks below:

Holtz attended Kent State University where he played football, studied history, and joined the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

“I was taught at an early age that I had an obligation to serve my country,” Holtz said during an interview with the American Legion.