First African American leprechaun for Notre Dame recalls meaningful message from Lou Holtz

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Mike Brown, who served as the first African American Notre Dame Leprechaun from 1999 to 2001, said he received an unexpected message from Holtz after being selected for the role.

Brown recalled receiving a letter from the Hall of Fame coach congratulating him on becoming the iconic game-day mascot — a moment he said he never forgot.

For Brown, the gesture meant more than recognition from one of college football’s most successful coaches. He said the letter showed the type of person Holtz was behind the scenes — someone who made time to acknowledge people throughout the Notre Dame community.

Stories like Brown’s continue to surface as the Notre Dame community reflects on the lasting influence Holtz left behind.