Former NFL'er Luke Falk pens public letter in support of Washington high school football coach

According to a report by the Sammamish Independent, Skyline Spartans (Wash.) head football coach Peyton Pelluer has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation by the Issaquah School District.

The temporary suspension has drawn the ire of many throughout the state, having many voice their opinion via social media, including former Washington State/NFL quarterback Luke Falk, who penned a public letter to Skyline principal Keith Henning on Monday afternoon regarding the situation with Pelluer. Falk and Pelluer, who is an alum of Skyline, played college football together at Washington State.

Here is an excerpt from the letter Falk sent to Henning:

“I learned yesterday that my friend, former teammate, and former roommate, Peyton Pelluer, was temporarily relieved of his head coaching duties at Skyline High School. The only word that comes to my mind is shocked. Peyton loves Skyline. I’ve never met anyone who speaks so highly of a placealmost to the point of obsession. Ever since I’ve known him, his lifelong dream has been to become a head high school football coach-specifically the head coach at Skyline. He achieved that dream and has poured his heart into those kids every single day. Peyton is one of the best men I know. He’s the kind of mentor young athletes need–someone who’s walked in their shoes, has real-life experience, and possesses the coaching expertise to develop them not only on the field (which is evident in their play this season), but more importantly, off of it. He teaches the lessons football was meant to provide.

When I began to learn more about why he was relieved of his duties, my shock turned into anger and frustration-for my friend, and concern for where Skyline and high school sports in general are headed.
The greatest lessons sports teach are about hard work, discipline, ownership, selflessness, teamwork, and accountability. Coach Pelluer embodies all of these. Yet through his efforts to instill those qualities in his players, he’s now being punished? Because a few who lack those very traits those who haven’t carned their way —are making the most noise and getting what they want?

What good does that do anyone? How does it benefit these young men-or the school-to remove a passionate, dedicated coach who gives everything to his job, simply to appease a few loud, entitled voices? Those individuals are the true culture problem.“

Coaches like @CoachPelluer don’t just build teams — they build men. Please reinstate Coach Pelluer. He represents everything right about the game!@IssaquahSchools @SHS_Spartan pic.twitter.com/7tbzBeNnd3

— Luke Falk (@coachlukefalk) October 20, 2025

Per the report, just hours before the Spartans’ 49-14 victory over Woodinville last week, Henning informed Skyline High School families of the decision to suspend Pelluer via an email sent out. The email in its entirety is here below:

“We are informing you about a temporary change in the Skyline High School football program. Head football coach Peyton Pelluer has been temporarily relieved of his coaching duties pending the findings and outcome of a district investigation. Assistant head coaches have assumed interim leadership of the football program. Our priority remains providing a safe, supportive and positive experience for all student-athletes, and we hope to conclude the investigation in a timely manner. Thank you for your understanding and support.“

Skyline’s coaching staff did not agree with the decision by Henning and responded via an Instagram post over the weekend, publicly airing out their disagreement with the school in deciding to suspend Pelluer. Here is an excerpt from the social media post undersigned by the Skyline football staff via Instagram:

“We, the coaching staff of Skyline High School Football, are writing to express our complete and unwavering support for Head Coach Peyton Pelluer — a man whose character, leadership, and
commitment to this program stand beyond reproach. Coach Pelluer, a proud Skyline alumni and former four-year starter at Washington State University, embodies everything this program represents: integrity, discipline, accountability, and pride in the Spartan name. His connection to Skyline runs deep — as former players, coaches, and community members, we know firsthand the impact he has had on shaping young men into leaders both on and off the field.

Friday, we were informed of Coach Pelluer’s suspension — mere hours before our game – The decision to suspend Coach Pelluer has deeply impacted our team, our staff, and our student-athletes. We understand that this action stemmed from complaints regarding player participation. However, it is clear that a very small but vocal minority of parents has been allowed to exert outsized influence over our program, spreading misinformation and slander about Coach Pelluer and the coaching staff. These individuals do not represent the views of the overwhelming majority of our players, families, and alumni, who support the standards and structure that make Skyline Football one of the most respected programs in the state. We believe this action sets a deeply troubling precedent – one that allows personal grievances and subjective dissatisfaction to override coaching integnity, player accountability, and the competitive principles that define high school athletics.

Football, at its core, is meant to teach effort, perseverance, teamwork, and personal responsibility. These lessons cannot thrive when leadership decisions are undermined by those unwilling to accept the realities of competition. This program has produced state champions, collegiate athletes, and future community leaders – all forged through the standards and culture that coaches like Peyton have upheld at Skyline. To see that culture undermined by external pressures contradicts everything Skyline Football stands for.“

The Skyline football coaching staff did post an update on Monday via Instagram saying that they had met with Issaquah School District officials and that a decision would be made by 1 p.m. Pacific Time regarding the status of Pelluer moving forward.

“First and foremost, we want to thank this incredible community for the unwavering support of our head coach and our staff. Every share, comment, and email has made a difference in this fight to do what’s right — to reinstate Coach Pelluer. Today we met with ISD administration and were told an answer would be provided positive or negative tomorrow by 1:00 PM. We as a staff wait ready to get back to work with our student athletes!

As coaches, we want to make sure our message remains loud and clear — we love our athletes. We want one thing here— to be back on the field with them, led by our head coach, Peyton Pelluer. Our boys deserve the chance to see their season through, but the future of the season and our program as a whole, lies in the hands of ISD and Skyline. We ask for your continued support as we keep pushing forward in this fight. Updates to come.“

Skyline is currently 5-2 on the Washington high school football season and are ranked as the No. 24 team in the state of Washington, per the Massey Ratings. The Spartans are scheduled to face Mount Si this Friday night.

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