The Lou Holtz Show S2 EP15 | Mark May on Faith, Football & Restoring America's Culture #podcast

Mark May reflects on grit, glory, and how America can rise again through faith, family, and truth.

Join Legendary Coach Lou Holtz for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Mark May, former All-American, two-time Super Bowl champion, broadcaster, and builder of men. From growing up in upstate New York in a one-parent home to protecting Dan Marino at Pitt and winning titles in Washington, Mark's story is one of grit, grace, and never backing down.

In this episode, Mark opens up about losing his mother at age three, being raised by a hardworking father, and how those early lessons shaped his relentless work ethic. You’ll hear the powerful story behind why he chose Pitt over SMU and Penn State—and how he ended up blocking for Hall of Famer Dan Marino without allowing a sack his final two seasons.

Coach Holtz and Mark dive into the values football teaches—discipline, leadership, and sacrifice—and why they matter now more than ever. They discuss the breakdown of America’s culture, the importance of telling the truth, and what it takes to raise strong kids in a broken society.

Mark also shares behind-the-scenes stories from ESPN, his cookbook(!), his charity golf tournament, and his pivot from the NFL to owning a successful car dealership.

Don’t miss this episode of wisdom, laughs, and no-nonsense truth from a man who’s lived the American Dream—and wants to make sure the next generation can too.

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Chapters:
0:00 – Intro & Welcome to Mark May
0:45 – Growing Up in a One-Parent Home in Upstate New York
2:00 – How Mark’s Father Instilled His Work Ethic
3:15 – Choosing Football Over Basketball and Track
4:30 – Recruiting Trips: BYU, SMU, Boston College & Coed Dorms
6:00 – Why He Chose Pitt Over Penn State and SMU
7:30 – Meeting Tony Dorsett & Dan Marino at Pitt
8:45 – Blocking for Marino Without Allowing a Sack
10:10 – Jackie Sherrill, John Majors, and Coaching Legacy
11:20 – Getting Snubbed for the National Championship
12:30 – Becoming One of the 70 Greatest Redskins of All Time
14:00 – Life After Injury and Leaving Washington
15:15 – Joe Gibbs, Coaching Faith & Hard Work
16:30 – Mark’s Charity Golf Tournament in Upstate NY
17:30 – How He Became a Car Dealer Post-NFL
18:45 – Writing His Cookbook After the NFL
20:00 – ESPN, Broadcasting, and Weekly Prep
21:10 – Facing Racism and Teaching His Kids to Respond with Grace
23:00 – What America Must Do to Restore Its Culture
24:30 – Final Thoughts: Trust, Truth & Being a Good American