For this episode of the Dragon Tree Podcast, we've got the luck of the Irish with us! Former Notre Dame football star – and nonprofit executive director – Reggie Brooks stopped by the podcast to talk about a unique organization he heads called Holtz's Heroes Foundation. And his timing couldn't be better, as the Fighting Irish continue their improbable run at a college football national title! Holtz's Heroes Foundation, which takes its name from legendary Notre Dame head football coach Lou Holtz, works across the country providing support to promising student-athletes, assisting the families of former players facing adversity, and sponsoring regular food drives in a variety of communities. Many readers will already be familiar with Coach Lou Holtz, who helmed several teams during his illustrious college football coaching career, including NC State, the University of Arkansas, and the University of South Carolina. But it was as head football coach at the University of Notre Dame that he earned iconic status. It was there, in 1988, that Holtz's team won the national championship and enshrined him as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. In 1989, Reggie Brooks began his own storied career in South Bend, Indiana. He ultimately became the starting tailback at Notre Dame, earning All-American status and finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting his senior year. Reggie went on to play in the NFL, spending time with the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his playing days were over, Reggie decided to invest his efforts in helping former athletes cope with life off the playing field. In time, he became Executive Director of Holtz’s Heroes Foundation, which continues to help former athletes and many other community groups. Reggie is a first-rate communicator and organizer working to motivate others to always aim high and strive for the greater good. Learn more about Holtz's Heroes Foundation here: https://holtzsheroes.org/ Donate to the organization here: https://holtzsheroes.org/donate/ Find us on social media! Twitter: @DragonTreeComms Threads: @dragontreecomms BlueSky: @chrishobson.bsky.social Instagram: dragontreecomms Music I Use: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music License code: ROKSTDAAWYZ8H5IE Song: Elevate