We Are Marshall - Bobby Bowden Scenes

Bobby Bowden is the greatest coach in the history of college football and not only because of his record on the field, but the respect he has earned for his actions off of it.
In an emotional scene in the film We Are Marshall, an example of one of those actions was seen, showing just how much of a class act Bobby Bowden has always been and tried to spread to so many others.

[@briley2177]

That first-class Coach passed away today, August 8, 2021. May all those who loved him, respected him, and admired him, count this depiction of his character as both an enduring bit of his legacy and a beacon of inspiration for a life well-lived. Do what’s right and perhaps even your cameos in life can inspire and guide. Rest well, Coach.

[@Kalentros]

I didn't know that. I just love the scene. All respect to him and condolences to his family.

[@jls5480]

College Football will never be the same

[@TampaFanatic1]

One of the best. He will be missed. He knew how to handle Deion Sanders and maximize his potential and he knew that a genius like Myron Roelle also needed time off to take MCATs and is now a renowned neurosurgeon. He knew what was best for his kids and players not just the program. God bless him and RIP!

[@timsodonovan1453]

As a life long Florida Gators fan , I can say he BETTER be forever remembered as one of the best of ALL TIME ! He is missed and has my undying respect …. God bless you coach ! Your memory will hover over my home state forever !….. the BEST!

[@Loveroffood41]

Oh my heck thank you for sharing that because passed away he was an amazing man.

[@jameslane9537]

"You guys... Take all the time you need." That gets me every time...

[@nathanmiller8213]

The very end got me "colors...kinda...clash a bit".

[@ucruci]

A true "sportsmanship."

[@danmccormack9747]

A friend of mine wanted to play at FSU. Growing up in Jacksonville FL, alot of us did. My friend Randy was a very good,but not FSU good. He did however receive an offer from the Air Force academy. One day Coach Bowden came to out school to recruit, this was early 80's. Randy saw him and asked if he could have a minute to talk to him. Bobby Bowden spent an hour and a half with him. Talking and giving him advice. He told Randy, now dadgummit boy if the sir force is calling, why, you just gotta go! They offering you not just an education but a career boy!! You git to do this! Randy tool his advice and went to Air Force. Made a career of it. Flew F-15C'S for over 20 years and now is a senior captain for Delta. He saw Coach Bowden speak in a church 10 years later and approached him. Bobby Bowden remembered him. Randy gave him some squadron patches and a cap. Randy said coach Bowden was over the moon hearing how it turned out. They just don't make men like Bobby Bowden any more

[@JohnAlex1]

Awesome- thanks for sharing!

[@jorgeaf07]

Yes, thank you for sharing!

[@TheMotz55]

It's when people are hurting and down, can you see evidence of greatness. Bobby Bowden, who had nothing to gain, rose to the occasion to help a suffering town. I don't want to offend football fans, but 100 years from now, people will remember him for this act.

[@duckman6819]

I forgot all his championship s and bowl wins after this scene I realise a great human being

[@TampaFanatic1]

I agree TheMotz55, bowden did win 300+ football games but what he did for Marshall in their time of need was greater than any of those victories! First Class!

[@mariaearnhardt8337]

One of many reasons why Bobby Bowden is one of the greatest coaches EVER! His heart is one of the biggest!!! We Noles love Bobby Bowden!!! He’s a First class act!!!

[@cityofchamps66]

500 years, they will remember

[@erob8347]

It's July 23, 2021. Bobby Bowden is in bad health and has very few days to live. I would like to honor the man while he is still here. We should all aspire to live this type of life. Nobody lives forever, and nobody escapes death. But he is at peace because of his faith. An honorable life is a life well lived and a great example modeled. God bless him.

[@viniciuseduardocarvalho]

During Bowden's first year as head coach at WVU, the football team of the state's other top-division school, Marshall University, were killed in a plane crash. He asked NCAA permission to wear Marshall jerseys and play Marshall's final game of the 1970 season against Ohio, but was denied. In memory of the victims of the crash, Mountaineers players put green crosses and the initials "MU" on their helmets. Bowden allowed Marshall's new head coach Jack Lengyel and his assistants access to game film and playbooks to acquaint themselves with the veer offense, a variation of the option offense which aids teams with weak offensive lines. Lengyel credits Bowden with helping the young Thundering Herd recover. Bowden reportedly became emotional while viewing the movie We Are Marshall, and has said that he was the original candidate for the Marshall head coaching job filled by crash victim Rick Tolley.

[@robertschmidt7879]

“ there is room in any profession for a gentleman.’ Cornelius McGillicuddy “Connie” Mack. Who holds the major league baseball record for wins

[@ChanceMahony]

When Randy Moss was going through his legal problems and was thrown out of FSU I believe he had no place to go, so Bowden called up Marshall and asked them to give him a chance the rest was history

[@bradm5651]

coming from a gator fan who lived in Tallahassee during the Bowden dynast... THAT'S why Bobby will always be the best

[@jacksonvilletaxman1]

That's why EVERYBODY, Spurrier, Meyer, Jimmy Johnson, et Al praised Coach when he passed. No matter the opponent, all respected him

[@naturetrails8357]

What bobby bowden & west virgina did for marshall is heartwarming true sportsmanship, great part of the movie

[@swinginjoe8477]

Reminds me of something one of my coaches said, “class… hard to define, but you know it when you see it.”

[@cmonman7664]

Class is easy to define. Its doing what's right and what's honorable.

[@chadshumate1312]

First Class Coach First Class

[@rickborrettjr6810]

Chad Shumate I think that is one of the best parts of the movie.

[@pookied.7738]

Yes it is! Thats how sports usually are. When a team is down we all become 1. Whether its MLB or whatever. Like when Jose Fernandez died everybody showed their support. We were all Miami Marlins that day whether we originally liked the team or not. Thats just how it should be.

[@wolfeusmc2011]

People forget how much of a true gentlemen and class act Bowden was. Genuine sportsmanship guy RIP

[@odisseusrh]

Back when ranks heavily favored huge point spreads, even if FSU had the ability to run up the score Bobby didn't. He'd sub out the first string for the second and third team players. We'd still win but it wasn't a 77 to 0 game.

[@82dorrin]

Bowden was a first class coach and a first class human being. RIP, Bobby. You were one of the greats.

[@wharris1354]

Everytime I come back to this clip I want to say, "Thank you Coach Bowden" !!! FIRST CLASS !!

[@zzzroxyzzz]

Probably my favorite scene. Rivalries, winning, losing, it comes down to being family.

[@christinadoxstader3004]

True. As is stated in the movie, at some point Marshall would become like every other team where winning is everything and nothing else matters but they couldn't reach that goal on their own. They needed help and what Bowden did was a first step in that direction

[@jakelarey5462]

Met that man when I was ten after they won the national championship in 93. I was with my Dad in the athletic building, no one there, and he came down with his skis. He was ready for vacation. The nicest man myself or my father have ever met. Put the skis down and spent 20 minutes just shootin the bull. God bless him

[@PInk77W1]

Awesome story

[@82dorrin]

Bobby was a great coach and an even better person.

[@tberman2386]

I met Coach Bowden at the Miami Cruise Terminal in 2004. We were both waiting for a transfer bus to the airport. We started talking as two would do waiting for a bus, our wives, etc. After a few minutes, I told him I knew who he was and thought he was a fantastic Coach. I had heard about the story depicted in this scene from a friend that was a huge FSU fan. I asked him about it and he said to me, "It was the right thing to do! We all traveled on small planes back then and that could have happened to any team." Solid answer from a class act!

[@A1Adaydreaming]

If you can watch this scene all the way to the end and not get teared up...then you are a stronger man than I. "First class, coach...First Class".

[@nathanmiller8213]

"colors kinda clash a little" 😢

[@anubiam3004]

"stronger man", I think you have that all wrong. Those that don't tear up a bit either don't understand what had happened or are emotionally dead inside.

[@TampaFanatic1]

The world needs more Bobby Bowdens!!!!

[@TampaFanatic1]

@MICKEY THE BULLTERRIER, indeed they did!

[@thomasdidymus1393]

Yes...great man.

[@normancarter5419]

Yes, and we got MAGAMorons that want us to have Baby Hitler Trumps instead.

[@markmiller3308]

Bobby knew that despite being rivals Marshall were fellow WV players, coaches, and fans who were hurting. His gift of WVU’s facilities and archives helped relaunch that program. RIP Bobbuh Bowden, a first class HC and a first class person…

[@TempleofAmon666]

Bowden wanted to take his team and put on marshal uniforms, so they could play the last game of the season, after the crash. NCAA said no. Bowden was a candidate for the head coaching job and always thought it could have been him on that plane.

[@tonia-lynnkeller1970]

💚❤️❤️‍🩹💝💔

[@Salvatore1268]

I never knew that

[@TGOIIHome]

WOW Never ever heard how Coach Bowden opened the door for Marshall. What a Great addition to the history of College Football!! PS Yes I know that I am late to story but that don't affect my appreciation or greatfull respect

[@rockvilleraven]

He also had the West Virginia Mountaineers booster club, help raise money for Marshall.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

I have always said that Coach Bobby Bowden is one of the classiest men who ever lived. After seeing this I respect him even more.

[@johnblakewatson7083]

There's not many men left like him. Hall of fame coach and person.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

I disagree. There are plenty of good men out there.

[@ryanyeager3258]

RIP Bobby Bowden 😢. Thank you for all you've done for college football and thank you for helping Marshall WVU and Florida State programs out.

[@MGAF688]

I loved Bobby Bowden. He was an awesome coach, underappreciated in his day and even now. He treated people with respect, class, and dignity. He lived for a higher purpose and changed lives for the better. Rest in peace, Coach!

[@thomasdidymus1393]

Mad respect for Coach Bowden. He was a good man. God Bless him.

[@paleo704]

Still is

[@thomasdidymus1393]

@@paleo704 | That's what I meant. DEEP QUOTE: TOP GUN✈ 😆

[@paleo704]

Thomas Didymus good I was worried when I read your message that he had passed

[@thomasdidymus1393]

@@paleo704 | as a retired football coach myself, we always refer to ourselves in the past tense 😀.

[@brianwells5123]

Most winning coach in the history of college football!

[@tonkawatitan9468]

Watching this now, the day Bobby Bowden passed away made me tear up.. Mad respect to him as a man and a coach!

[@jondickinson1056]

Me also...its truly what sports should be about

[@lildrummerr007]

Am I the only one that came here to remember how great of a man Bowden was after he passed away? 😢 Rest in power, coach.

[@tonia-lynnkeller1970]

Nope, I did too! Marshall ‘92

[@FalconsFanForever]

RIP to him Ive watched this movie many times

[@mikedineen7857]

No I knew it years ago.

[@TheMustangBuilders]

I’m a VFL. But Bowden was my favorite coach outside of TN.

[@bradyteets3426]

Rest in piece not rest in power

[@Madmun357]

Before I saw this movie I only knew Bobby Bowden as the FSU coach and I had a lot of respect for him and how he turned around that program. After seeing this movie I have even MUCH greater respect for him.

[@tailsthefriendlyfox8479]

Alfonso Munoz yeah the dumb asses ran him out of town his final year at WVU was a 9-3 if we would’ve kept him we probably would’ve won like 6 titles

[@tylerb7964]

Man this scene brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. Such a huge tragedy and the West Virginia community is so supportive.

[@primebeef3938]

Bobby Bowden was the Gold Standard in coaching, and as a person. There aren’t many like him. RIP Coach

[@nbrikha]

First time I saw this seen it broke me down. I was a teenager crying my eyes out in the theater, dont think I was the only one

[@qtak]

My dad, who is from Richie Co wv, was attending Glenville state on an athletic scholarship when the Marshall tragedy happened. He said every school really did things like this for them. He still gets choked up talking about it. And friends he lost.

[@paulrosenberg707]

Anybody else cutting onions when he says first class coach......first class

[@neli.a]

... i'm not crying, you're crying, ... ok, hand me a tissue. 😢

[@n2lsu1]

Bobby Bowden is a great man on & off the field,he has a beach house down from my parents house on 30A.

[@iamkbravo]

Bowden - still the man! Never was an FSU fan, but always admired Bobby Bowden

[@BeefCake1012]

This is why Bobby Bowden should be heralded as one of the greatest college coaches of all time in addition to his obvious on-the-field successes. A man of class, understanding, integrity and character. RIP Coach Bowden…

[@guittadabe5214]

First Class coach, first class. RIP Bobby Bowden. I only knew you through this movie. May you be in paradise today.

[@jonjahr3403]

There are not enough words in the english language to adequately describe what a great man Bobby Bowden was. RIP Coach!

[@walkerch]

A Class Act

[@joshdudley3453]

Just stopped by to say Bobby Bowden was a great coach, great human, and a great Christian. RIP coach

[@kbholla]

I loved this film I remember seeing it with my awesome grandfather in florida.

[@nickjames9692]

I know it a good inspiration movie

[@kfjexit16w]

RIP Coach Bowden. Class act on and off the field.

[@MRCATL3]

I'm from West Virginia. We moved to Jacksonville Florida when I was 13. I went to Fsu a long time ago. Bowden was the best person

[@TearYouApart360]

As a live long Florida State fan, Bobby Bowden holds a special place in my heart. He has done so much for my community and our university. He is one of the purists, most down to Earth Southern Gentlemen you could ever meet.

[@neli.a]

Chief Osceola arguably the best mascot in college sports but guess where all the pregame spectacle came from? -> WVU

[@Razmataz84]

As a Gator, I always hated to lose to FSU. I knew that when Bobby was on the sidelines and he was chewing his gum like a madman, we were in trouble. Great coach and even greater of a man.

[@PInk77W1]

I cry everytime

[@artymaj6]

Had the absolute honor of meeting Coach Bowden several times and he was a class act that not many men will live up to his standards.

[@JS-uy8wc]

About ten years ago I was going through airport security. In my hands were two books: “The Bowden Way” & “Called To Coach.” The TSA man screening me saw the books and said: “I see you are a Seminoles fan.” My reply was: “No, I am a Bowden fan.” Mr. Bowden wrote: “I won’t be part of a work environment that doesn’t put a premium on integrity. It’s not because I am so good, but because the alternative is so bad.” Are we in need of more people like him? You decide.

[@Juneau65]

A movie scene of HONOR. Well done.

[@mattygates1]

After this movie I feel the football world realized just how great a human being Bobby Bowden was. Football brotherhood.

[@farmerned6]

an ounce of help is worth more than a ton of pity

[@williambeadlescomb6191]

Well now I'm crying

[@scotth9857]

Truly first class - honoring the lost players of the rival. It reminded me of the outpouring of support -- 'Hoos for Hokies -- shown in 2007 after the slaughter of 32 on the campus of Virginia Tech.

[@americanpatriot2967]

Football is Football. Real life is Real life. When people are suffering you forget about Rivalries and be good human beings. At least I hope so.

[@jlems56]

I ball like a baby every time I see those football players walk in with those helmets.

[@770_gammer]

That's Bobby real Nole for life

[@JohnRoland]

Bobby Bowden is one of my all time heroes. Greatest college football coach of all time

[@gigicassel1804]

When you loss somebody or are just grieving in general for losing people close to you, The things that people do like the coach of West Virginia mean all the difference in the world. When I lost my single mother at 18 Having my journalism staff and my journal his teacher be there for me help me recover from the loss

[@AntP95]

RIP Coach Bowden! You were truly an inspiration!

[@chadarthur7782]

First class, coach!

[@pookied.7738]

Such a classy thing to do. Love this scene.

[@davidedelman4536]

That’s what I call class!

[@Aroc912]

Faith, Family & Football in that order... We lost a good and he was able to touch a lot of people with his love and respect!

[@blandis93312]

How sportsmanship is displayed. When someone is down you lift them up.

[@jamiemartinez8674]

Bobby Bowden...Class act!

[@walkercolt5111]

They did a good job, showing what true class and humor Bobby Bowden had.

[@jamesfields2916]

Amazing Bobby Bowden was still a head coach 38 years after this

[@jimkelley5812]

Now you see why The press corps loved Bobby Bowden. The guy with the big heart. Never met a man he didn't like! R.I.P,. coach Bowden!

[@micah5406]

The greatest we lost today. RIP Coach Bowden

[@seanreynolds970]

Scene gets me every time.

[@davyboy9397]

From a Tennessee fan. Not only was Bobby one of the greatest coaches of all time, he was one of the best people too. Hell of a man, a legend. RIP Coach Bowden

[@chrisholland8690]

R. I. P. Coach. First class

[@georgehollingsworth2428]

I knew Coach Bowden when I taught at FSU. We often passed on our private walks when he was troubled. We nodded and moved on. He was a Great and humble man.

[@Papaneeks]

“First class” what a perfect phrase to describe the great Bobby Bowden. May he Rest In Peace.

[@zippyzipster46]

Bobby is a good man. And a good coach. Lifetime of teaching kids. Better man than I.

[@robnirenberg4727]

Love this movie, and this is my favorite scene. Bobby bowden was a first-class human being. This is just one example of his many acts of generosity.

[@mikebradley7504]

What a wonderful scene. RIP coach Bowden

[@erickyle5604]

Well played coach, well played. Hope you're resting well.

[@TheBatugan77]

My favorite scene. Moving.

[@raidmagic]

Bobby Bowden was an actual saint

[@killzone7890]

R.I.P Bobby

[@Battlegnome112]

Absolute chills. They’ll never make another Bobby Bowden. It wasn’t always about football. It was about making boys into men.

[@peterman7000]

we need more of this in the world, a lot more.

[@tigerwareagle1485]

What a man, what a coach, what a legend! RIP Bobby Bowden!

[@margaretjiantonio939]

RIP Coach Bowden. A real class act.

[@jonant8317]

lets take a moment to appreciate hiw great a man Coach Bowden was...... that would never happen today

[@VorlonAngel]

Bobby was indeed first class!! I still miss him and FSU has never been the same without him!!🥲

[@mikeluddy6989]

Bobby Bowden= Great Human Being!! Never a fan of his teams but always respected him now even more so

[@bulldogsbob]

Bobby Was a candidate to be the Marshall Head Coach a few years before the crash so he knew that could have been him on that plane,

[@fish1907]

Best scene in the movie! Not a dry eye, every time I watch this. Bobby Bowden was a Man among boys. More than ever, we NEED Men like Bobby Bowden now!! Do the right thing for the right reasons!!

[@howardcitizen2471]

RIP, Bobby Bowden. First class, coach. First class.

[@tyler9863]

Daggumit! That’s why he’s a legend!

[@chiefs816kc]

RIP Coach Bobby Bowden who passed this morning. God bless him and his survivors. I know he is in heaven with Christ right now.

[@stephensperr1379]

From a Gator, I always respected Bobby. Consummate professional and generous human being.

[@marcosrodriguez5770]

As a Miami Hurricane fan I hated Bobby Bowden and his country boy act. I was not aware of his generosity and sportsmanship until I saw this movie. I knew him as the coach of my most hated adversary. RIP coach….I know I am a little late but I admit when I am wrong.

[@jacksonvilletaxman1]

No worries. I'm not a fan of the ol Ball Coach, but I respect him. There's a difference.Wonder if Bowden ever shook hands with the Rock

[@JDGrawe0221]

Rest In Peace Bobby ❤️❤️❤️

[@califinn]

Money, winning, hype, fame, glory, rivalries...it all means nothing without faith and family. Bowden showed his true colors that season as a Christian and a great human being. First class indeed.

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

man alive what a scene, breaks me down like a shotgun at cleaning time.....ranks right up there with bronx tale when dinero told colojino..."your fathers the tuff guy".....Bobby Bowden did 1st class because he was 1st class.

[@JWex-jy7sk]

R.I.P. Bobby Bowden 🙏🏼

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

if this doesnt bust your eyes flooded like niagra falls.............nothing will.

[@bawags8366]

I met Bobby Bowden once at FSU in the late 1980's. He was as happy to meet me as I was him. One of a kind.

[@alicsurn]

First class... i may be a Gator and a Nittany lion... but Bobby will always be first class. One of the great one.