Coach Joe Kennedy on his return to football and faith on the field: 'America is alive and well'

Coach Joe Kennedy talked to Fox News Digital on Saturday, Sept. 2, about coaching his first high school football game back at Bremerton High School in Bremerton, Washington, after eight years — and why his heart nearly melted during the game.

Coach Joe Kennedy returned to the high school football field on Friday, September 1, in Bremerton, Washington, after a years-long battle involving prayer, personal expression and the Constitution that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital on Saturday morning, he revealed among other things that since yesterday, he hasn't stopped smiling about how things turned out. 

"It was so amazing. I haven't processed all of it," he said of his return to the game (and yes, his team won on Friday).

"Everything was an answered prayer. There was a perfect amount of people that showed up. The weather was perfect. The opposing team was tough. The fans were incredible. My team played spectacularly. I couldn't have asked for a better return. I — I'm just so thankful in every way, shape and form. It was amazing."

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH REINSTATED AFTER WINNING $1.7 MILLION SETTLEMENT

In 2015, Kennedy lost his job as an assistant high school football coach. The district fired him because of his personal practice of saying a silent prayer on the 50-yard line after games — which turned into a professional, cultural and constitutional battle. 

He fought to get his job back for many years.

Coach Joe Kennedy of Bremerton, Washington, sat down with Fox News Digital on Saturday, Sept. 2, to discuss his return to the high school football field after eight years — and the response he received.  (Fox News)

On June 27, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in