As soon as it became public in 2021, the message seemed destined to become infamous.
“Men ... let me first apologize for the late-night text and, more importantly, for not being able to share the news with you in person that I will be leaving Notre Dame,” then-Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly wrote to his players at the time via Pete Sampson of The Athletic. “My love for you is limitless and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished.”