One person you can count on being at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium any time the University of Louisville football team lines up is U. S. Senator Mitch McConnell. The five-term Republican leader is a diehard Cardinal football fan and rarely misses a game, at home or away.

Mitch McConnell

National debt crisis or not. He has ideas, people willing to embrace them are often the issue.

McConnell, a U of L grad, is the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Kentucky’s history, now serving his fifth term. He’s also the Senate Republican Leader in the 111th Congress. Elected to that position unanimously by his colleagues in 2008.

“One of my favorite activities is watching U of L football,” he told us. “I have been a Cardinal fan since I was in school at the University of Louisville. I can’t remember the last time I missed a home game.”

The former County Judge said he also loves tailgating and taking part in the camaraderie that comes with being a member of the U of L family. “I have enjoyed watching the athletic program grow over the years, going from the Metro Conference to Conference USA to the Big East and rising through the ranks to winning the school’s first Bowl Championship Series game.”

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

12 thoughts on “Mitch McConnell, diehard U of L football fan”
  1. I first met Mitch in the early 60’s. He and my oldest sister were working together while at UofL on some student senate project. She had invited him to dine with the family that night. It was hot weather like we’re having now. Those was pre-air conditioning days. To partially escape the heat of the day and that of the kitchen, we ate at a table in our unfinished basement. I only remember that he conversed very evenly and politely with limited expression, much as he does today. His style seems to have served him well. Mitch has come a long way from dining and working in the basement of a Hikes Point 3-BR ranch.

    Mitch has not only supported UofL athletics, but has made his considerable mark on our academic facilities and programs. He is truly a great alum!

  2. Used to work for Mitch years ago. (Think Jefferson County Judge days..) Incredibly intelligent guy, UL diehard fan. There’s a line in ‘Hunt For Red October’ where Fred Thompson says, “The Russians don’t take a dump without a plan, son.” Describes Mitch pretty well. As to whether he fell in with undesirables–let’s let history judge that. For now–great U of L supporter, good to see him at the games.

  3. Not intended to be a political endorsement, guys. He is a prominent U of L fan.

  4. I wish he was ignorant. That could excuse his behavior. You made a mistake posting about such a lightning rod of a political personality. Politics doesn’t belong here.

  5. Amazing how someone so ignorant can make it into a position of such power, willing to bring down the United States because he hates the President so much.

    1. Ignorant, hardly. One of the most savvy public servants we’ve had representing us. That’s why he’s in the position he’s in.

    2. And how would you handle the $14 trillion debt, Mike? I hope your answer is not piling more debt on top of it and threatening even more job losses.

    1. Mitch is a good person to have on your side guys. Sorry about that Cat fans.

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