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Many political leaders issued statements. Most stopped there. Danielson, however, went further—using his platform to talk about loss, faith, and the darkness facing today’s world.
Before anyone asked about Boise State’s next opponent, Danielson made his priorities clear.
“Before I talk football, I just always wanna thank Jesus for the opportunity to coach this team,” Danielson said. “I’m so blessed to be part of this organization with this group of young men and staff.”
Then he addressed what was weighing heavy on his heart.
“Some hard things happened last week with the killing of Charlie Kirk. That’s hard. Regardless of where you’re at politically, religiously, that has nothing (to do) with what we’re talking about now. There’s a 31-year-old that was killed that now has a wife and two kids that are left behind.”
Danielson tied Kirk’s assassination to a broader reality: the world has changed dramatically, and not for the better.
“And then you have September 11th. And even talking with our team about September 11th, that was 24 years ago. The majority of our team wasn’t even alive when terrorists attacked our country and thousands were killed,” he said.
For Danielson, both tragedies carried the same chilling reminder: America’s next generation is stepping into a world marked by violence, uncertainty, and moral decay.
“It reminds you that we live in a fallen world,” he said. “And it reminds you that there’s a lot of darkness and wickedness out there.”
Danielson made it clear—he isn’t just coaching football. He’s shaping young men for something far greater.
“And for me, as a head coach, that is what I’m called to do is to build young men to be world-changers and champions in a life that definitely needs more leaders. That desperately needs people to stand up for (what’s) right, and that’s what I’m called to do.”
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Danielson added: “Darkness cannot drive back darkness; only light can do that. And that’s what we want to be as a football program. We want to be a light on a hill.”
Most coaches see themselves as professionals hired to win games. Danielson sees his work differently.
“Yes, we need to win football games and championships and all – Every college football coach, that’s their job. No question, mine included. But I believe God has called me here to develop young men to be champions in life in a world that desperately needs leaders.”
Two words summed up his entire message: “Called to.”
Spencer Danielson wasn’t just doing a job on Monday. He was leading—with faith, courage, and conviction—in a culture that desperately needs more voices like his.
