The film “Average Joe,” which tells the story of high school football coach Joseph Kennedy, has recently premiered in the United States. The movie focuses on his journey after being fired for praying on the field, ultimately resulting in his victory in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Close to a decade ago, Kennedy, a Marine veteran turned high school football coach, began his post-game prayers at Bremerton High School out of personal conviction.
He would kneel at the 50-yard line to thank God for his team’s safety and to praise Him for His guidance. Over time, this quiet gesture evolved into a tradition, with players and even spectators joining him. However, in 2015, everything changed when the school district unexpectedly ordered him to stop.
Despite the pressure to conform, Kennedy was determined to stand by his right to express his faith. His refusal to back down initiated a seven-year legal battle that ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2022, the court ruled 6-3 in his favor, affirming his right to pray.
Actor Eric Close, known for his roles in “Without a Trace” and “Nashville,” portrays Kennedy in the film “Average Joe,” which premiered in theaters on October 11. The movie is based on Kennedy’s 2023 book of the same name and chronicles his life, including his upbringing in foster care, service in the Marine Corps, career as a football coach, legal challenges, and ultimate victory.
“With God in his life, he fought for the survival of his marriage, which was bearing the weight of his battle for religious freedom and freedom of speech,” Close said. “It was impossible not to be inspired by Joe’s unwavering commitment to stay the course and stick to his convictions in the face of adversity. Also, he took on this fight for all Americans, not just himself.”
The release of “Average Joe” comes at a time when discussions surrounding religious freedom are particularly pertinent. Close remarked that the film serves as an essential reminder of the significance of these freedoms and how easily they can erode if taken for granted.
At a “Politics in the Pews” event held by Christian Post earlier this year, Kennedy expressed concerns about the future of religious freedom in the U.S., stating he is "very terrified" of its potential decline. Reflecting on his experiences, he noted, “I didn't understand how much power was given to the judicial branches. And that scares me. That really scared me.”
He emphasized that his case experienced seven consecutive failures before finally reaching the Supreme Court and remarked that it demonstrates how God can use the unlikeliest individuals to fulfill His purposes.
During an interview, Kennedy also expressed his concerns regarding the erosion of religious liberty in the United States, mentioning that satanists were involved in his case. “This is something that I did not want, I did not ask for,” Kennedy stated. “And this whole time, I’ve been dragging my feet on it and saying, ‘God, I don’t want to go through this.’ But He does the most incredible things with idiots like me,” he added.
Kennedy continued by encouraging others, saying, “So imagine what He can do with you guys! That’s how cool this is. If He picks me to do something so great — of changing the nation in our religious liberties — imagine what we could do as just individual families, individual groups, individual companies out there, individual churches.”
“Average Joe,” which has already struck a chord with faith-based audiences and garnered favorable reviews, is currently showing in theaters.
