Praying Football Coach Case: Religious Liberty Win

On Monday morning, the Supreme Court vindicated a Christian football coach who was fired because he’d prayed on the field after games. Once again, government-led thought police have tried to muzzle a person of faith; once again, the Court has stopped them.

The victor in Monday’s case, Joseph Kennedy, was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Bremerton, Wash. His Christian faith inspired him to “give thanks through prayer” at the end of each game. How did he manifest this gratitude? By kneeling down on the 50-yard line to say a short prayer when the game finished.

About the Author

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is director of the Conscience Project and recipient of the Religious Freedom Institute’s 2025 Religious Freedom Impact Award.

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On Monday morning, the Supreme Court vindicated a Christian football coach who was fired because he’d prayed on the field after games. Once again, government-led thought police have tried to muzzle a person of faith; once again, the Court has stopped them.

The victor in Monday’s case, Joseph Kennedy, was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Bremerton, Wash. His Christian faith inspired him to “give thanks through prayer” at the end of each game. How did he manifest this gratitude? By kneeling down on the 50-yard line to say a short prayer when the game finished.