Banquet

Coach Joe Kennedy, an eighteen-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 returned to the field for one game on September 1, 2023 before resigning. Joe and his wife, Denise, are parents to four and reside currently in Pensacola. His memoir, Average Joe, is available wherever books are sold and a film inspired by his life released nationwide October 11, 2024. He continues to speak across the country promoting freedom of speech.