Garrett Nussmeier Joins Gordon McKernan for Podcast Ahead of LSU’s Season Opener

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier joined Gordon McKernan in The Garage for a podcast episode Six days before LSU’s season opener against Clemson. Garrett is a key player for the Tigers and a proud NIL partner of Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. Gordon’s son, John Gordon McKernan, a second-year law student and former LSU football player, and attorney Jeff Watson, who helps manage NIL partnerships, joined the conversation.

The episode was full of laughs, stories, and insights into Garrett’s journey both on and off the field.

Faith, Family, Football

Garrett was born in Lake Charles and considers it home, though his childhood was spent traveling the country as his father, Doug Nussmeier, pursued a career in football coaching. Having lived in 10 different states before settling in Baton Rouge, Garrett fondly spoke about the city. He noted it’s the longest he’s ever lived in one place.

Garrett shared, “Baton Rouge means a lot to me. I told somebody the other day, it’s been weird driving around a town where I don’t have to pull up a map on my phone. I actually know the roads. I actually know where I’m going.”

Family is central to Garrett’s story, as is faith. “Faith, family, football—that’s how we grew up,” he said. “We moved around all over the country and all we had was each other and it was our faith, family, football.”

The Honor of No. 18

Garrett enters his fifth season at LSU wearing the coveted No. 18 jersey, a tradition reserved for team leaders who embody grit, character, and excellence.

“It’s such an honor,” Garrett said. “I want to live up to the guys who wore it before me.”

He also revealed that he came close to declaring for the NFL Draft last year. He admitted that it was a difficult decision but ultimately decided to stay. Garrett shared that he came to LSU to win a national championship and couldn’t imagine anyone else leading them there.

Beyond Football

This season is shaping up to be monumental for Garrett, and not just because of the schedule. Over the summer, he proposed to his longtime girlfriend, whom he’s been dating since high school. The surprise proposal happened in Grand Lake, Oklahoma, with her family present.

“I don’t remember exactly what I said,” he laughed. He joked that getting on one knee was more nerve-wracking than any game he’s ever played.

Though wedding planning will wait until life slows down, Garrett said they’re considering a Texas wedding in the future.

The conversation also touched on family connections to LSU, including Garrett’s sister dating former LSU star and NIL partner of the firm, Will Campbell. Garrett praised Campbell, saying he’d rather see his sister with him “than some random man.”

A Visit from Doug Nussmeier

Toward the end of the podcast, Garrett’s father, Doug Nussmeier, joined the conversation virtually. A former New Orleans Saints player and now the team’s offensive coach, Doug shared his thoughts on the possibility of coaching his son in the NFL.

When Gordon posed a hypothetical scenario of the Saints drafting Garrett, Doug humorously suggested it would either put a strain on his marriage or land him in trouble for how hard he’d coach his son. His comment had everyone in the studio laughing.

On a serious note, Doug spoke about his pride in Garrett. “He’s chosen his own path. It was his dream to go to LSU and play for the Tigers and he worked extremely hard to achieve that.”

Gordon closed the podcast by wishing Garrett and Doug successful seasons.

Get It Done, Tigers!

It was an incredible episode, and Garrett embodies many of the values we hold dear at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. We’re wishing the Tigers a championship season!

Click here to watch the full podcast and learn more about your favorite LSU star.