The Lou Holtz Show S2 EP6 | Dat Nguyen on Faith, Football, and the American Dream 🇺🇸 #podcast

From refugee to NFL All-Pro — Dat Nguyen’s story is the American Dream in action. 🇺🇸🏈

Join legendary Coach Lou Holtz for a powerful conversation with former NFL linebacker Dat Nguyen — a College Football Hall of Famer, proud Vietnamese-American, and living testament to the power of faith, family, and hard work.

From escaping war-torn Vietnam to leading the famed Wrecking Crew defense at Texas A&M, Dat’s journey is a blueprint for the American Dream. He reflects on the grit it took to overcome stereotypes, how his Catholic faith has guided him through adversity, and what it meant to suit up for America’s Team — the Dallas Cowboys.

In this episode, Lou and Dat cover:
Dat’s unlikely rise from refugee to record-setting linebacker
His NFL memories and lessons from playing under the brightest lights
The importance of culture, leadership, and accountability
Why American values matter more now than ever
What it takes to rebuild a strong, faith-based foundation in this country

Dat also opens up about his life after football — from coaching in the NFL to running a successful Chick-fil-A franchise — and how being present as a father and husband is his proudest accomplishment yet.

This is one of the most patriotic, inspiring, and faith-driven episodes of the season.

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Chapters:
0:00 – Intro & Lou’s Mission to Restore American Culture
1:17 – Welcome Dat Nguyen & His Record-Breaking Career
2:06 – Overcoming Doubts as an Undersized Linebacker
4:00 – From Small-Town Underdog to Starting Linebacker
6:22 – Being Vietnamese-American in College Football
7:15 – Dat’s Family Escape from Vietnam in 1975
9:00 – Discovering Football & Visualizing Success
11:00 – Mental Preparation & Coach Holtz’s Relaxation Ritual
12:00 – Secrets Behind the Wrecking Crew Defense
13:44 – Dat’s Most Memorable Plays at Texas A&M
14:55 – Getting Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
16:00 – The Pressure & Structure of Life in the NFL
17:50 – Playing with Legends Like Aikman & Irvin
19:30 – Transitioning from Player to NFL Coach
21:10 – Mentoring Young Players On & Off the Field
23:00 – The Truth About NIL, Taxes & Transfer Portal
25:00 – Why Leadership is Lacking in America Today
26:15 – How Faith Became the Foundation of Dat’s Life
28:00 – Advice for Young Athletes: Dream, Work, Believe
30:00 – Why Dat Credits Coaches, Teammates & Parents
31:25 – Life After Football: Chick-fil-A, Fatherhood & Faith
34:00 – Coach Lou & Dat on Family, Culture & Faith
36:00 – Closing Thoughts: How to Make America Great Again