In the past 24 hours we have seen countless current and former Northwestern players take to twitter to state the love, admiration and respect they have for Pat Fitzgerald.
Personally, I have known Pat Fitz for 15 years. I consider him a friend. Every interaction I have had with him has been a positive one. I've visited his program during the off-season. I've been to a game there. I've spent time with him at conventions and off-season events. We share many mutual friends. I know several current and former staff members and several former players.
It is fair to say I was stunned when I read of the allegations brought by a former player. The allegations were disturbing to say the least. Further, I simply couldn't believe that Pat Fitz would allow that kind of behavior to happen within his program.
The opinions shared below from current and former players are in line with everything I've always believed about Pat which is why the allegations from the former player were so surprising.
Initially the University announced Pat would be suspended for two weeks; however University President Michael Schill has now announced he might have been premature in assessing a two week suspension as the appropriate response and will take some time for further consider. In the midst of this, countless current and former players have gone public in their support of Pat.
Fitz emphasized integrity, sacrificing for others, respect, and accountability. These are values that I strive to uphold now as a husband and father. While I won’t speak for anyone else, I can say that my experience at NU did not reflect what I read in the Daily Northwestern. https://t.co/RpbL3ib1eN
— Trevor Siemian (@TrevorSiemian) July 9, 2023
Coach Fitzgerald is one of the greatest men I have had the privilege of knowing. He is a man of God and truly lives by the values that he has instilled in our program. I have become a better man throughout my college football career because of him. https://t.co/YDqis2j6yV
— Dom D'Antonio (@ddantonio63) July 9, 2023
Former Northwestern player and current grad assistant Riley Lees: https://t.co/RAuS3fal0X
— Louie Vaccher (@WildcatReport) July 9, 2023
Coach Fitz’s character and reputation speaks for itself. Not surprised the team released this statement. A lot of what Coach taught me I am passing down to my son. https://t.co/CTpzxaLWLV
— Will Hampton (@_CoachHamp) July 9, 2023
Coach Fitz is one of the most genuine human beings I have ever met. He actually cares about his players and their life after football. Not surprised the Team came forward with this statement! https://t.co/KcNsGYSwBt
— Jeremy Ebert (@Jebes11) July 9, 2023
When it comes to being a man I admire and respect, Coach Fitz has always been that man for me in my time at Northwestern!
— Ryan Hilinski (@ryan_hilinski) July 9, 2023
He always offers an ear when I need to talk and a hand whenever I need help up! I’ve got his back like he always has had ours. https://t.co/rMDkANKEdQ
As a Parent who’s had 2 Sons play Football for Pat Fitzgerald, I can honestly say there’s nobody else I’d rather them have played for! I’ve been interacting with him for close to 10 years now and he is one of the most high character individuals I’ve ever met. https://t.co/AbFGEBnS9i
— michael gallagher (@mgallagah) July 9, 2023
We will keep you posted as the University makes further announcements.