We Are Marshall - Pre-Game Speech

Although Marshall lost, McConahay scores the first touchdown with his portrayal and pre-game speech as the Thundering Herd gets ready to play Xavier after the devastating plane crash that killed the entire team.

[@slapjohnson2808]

My friend and I were at the Xavier game and ran onto the field after Terry Gardner scored the winning touchdown. The entire Xavier defense bit on Reggie Oliver's bootleg and Gardner caught the ball around the 5 yard line and walked in untouched. Fairfield Stadium erupted. The Herd have had many big wins since then, but nothing compares to this one. It was the most emotional football game I had ever witnessed. I was 15 years old that day. Now I'm 64 and I still smile when I think of that glorious game.

[@SuperJosh-mm6zy]

Thank you for sharing

[@christopherfoote4643]

Sounds like it was freely adapted since in the movie he caught it in the back of the end zone with a defender closing in. It wasn't a fake reverse.

[@craigconley1951]

We R

[@KellyGromley]

My Cousin Barry Nash was one of those 6 sons of Marshall. To this day, when I go to game and I hear the WE ARE....MARSHALL.... it still gives me chills

[@easymoneygaming7656]

i am so sorry

[@philjk64]

i dont believe you

[@Salvatore1268]

ibelieve u kelly forget that dope

[@KellyGromley]

LOL and why would that matter?

[@kevinmcdonald6106]

Same here.

[@PatroniFan]

The best line was, "The funerals end today." What a great line to inspire the players to look forward and to stop dwelling on the past.

[@BlackMaleSpirituality]

I agree and I think there is a larger life message there. A lot of times in life there are "funerals" both metaphorically and literally. A lot of times we will have "funerals" or times where we mourn misfortune or failure, which is definitely okay, especially for serious situation. There comes a point, however, where we have to motivate ourselves to move forward after those "funerals." I think you saw that in this movie not only with the team moving forward and playing the game in the next scene. You also saw that in the side story about the surviving girlfriend of one of the players whose father encouraged her to not feel bad about moving forward in her life and making a new life somewhere else. I love this movie!

[@kevin30705]

TheMick2639 100% agreed !!!! You sir are a wise man !!!!

[@PatroniFan]

@Christian Cullen One can remember the past and we all should remember the past but we shouldn't live there.

[@johnwaffleh2p70]

@Otis Canaan kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-thId_qbKKj6s

[@maxshabazz1543]

@@BlackMaleSpirituality couldn’t have said it any better, my friends peace and love!

[@sihlecele9860]

"We may be behind in the scoreboard but we will never be defeated". Still my Best speech in the movie.

[@alejandromartinetti3511]

For those of you who may not know, this is the final resting place for six members of the 1970 Thundering Herd. The plane crash that took their lives was so severe, so, so absolute, that their bodies were unable to be identified. So they were buried here, together. Six players, six teammates, six Sons of Marshall. This is our past, gentlemen. This is where we have been. This is how we got here. This is who we are. Today, I want to talk about our opponent this afternoon. They're bigger, faster, stronger, more experienced and on paper, they're just better. And they know it, too. But I wanna tell you something that they don't know. They don't know your heart. I do. I've seen it. You have shown it to me. You have shown this coaching staff, your teammates. You have shown yourselves just exactly who you are in here. (Pounds chest) When you take that field today, you've gotta lay that heart on the line, men. From the souls of your feet, with every ounce of blood you've got in your body, lay it on the line until the final whistle blows. And if you do that, if you do that, we cannot lose. We may be behind on the scoreboard at the end of the game but if you play like that we cannot be defeated. Now we came here today to remember six young men and sixty-nine others who will not be on the field with you today, but they will be watching. You can bet your ass that they'll be gritting their teeth with every snap of that football. You understand me? How you play today, from this moment on, is how you will be remembered. This is your opportunity to rise from these ashes and grab glory. We are...Marshall (everyone) We are...Marshall (everyone) We are...Marshall (everyone) The funerals end today!

[@richardoneill7291]

As a son of Marshall myself, I found this to be truly inspirational. Best speech ever, brings tears to my eyes every time.

[@metadata4255]

cringe

[@S1rGalahad]

@@metadata4255go outside

[@lovephillies1]

Hopefully after a few more birthdays you'll be able to appreciate the power and wisdom of this speech. Then again, maybe not.

[@richardoneill7291]

What is that supposed to mean?@@lovephillies1

[@zizojaezekeom3565]

​@@metadata4255you are the only cringe mf in here

[@traviskale1313]

This is a great, great movie, and for my money, Matthew McCounoghey's greatest performance.

[@jeremydiesel7805]

What about "A Time to kill" though???

[@LiveINtheGood53]

I agree! MM was in a lot of great movies and he is talented for sure! Smart Dude, but this movie is my favorite of his! :)

[@TheBrookerFamily]

Alright, alright, alright

[@jasonparker4465]

Good job but not as good as Dallas Buyers Club.

[@vlogsnstufflikethat]

couldn't agree more

[@floydbrennan9789]

Saw this film in 2006 and I'm telling you right now, it could have not come at a better time. There was a lot of emotional turmoil going on in my life in 2006 and toward the end of the year, I felt completely defeated. When I heard the part of the speech the first time I saw it in the theater where McConahey says, "They don't know -- your heart", I burst out into an El Nino of tears. I don't think I had ever cried so much as I did with this film. This is by far the BEST speech I've ever heard in my entire life.

[@anthonyfowler2623]

Watch miracle

[@metadata4255]

El Nino of tears lmao get a grip, it's a canned sports movie

[@essammonem1418]

This is the most inspirational speech I've ever heard in my life when I watched the movie I was crying my ass out oh my god

[@metadata4255]

you shit your pants? Wow

[@kurtischesser7454]

great motivation for not just football but life

[@PernellHillMinisterP]

"The Funeral Ends Today" Wow!

[@TheDictato]

'They’re bigger, faster, stronger, more experienced and on paper, they’re just better. And they know it, too. But I wanna tell you something that they don’t know. They don’t know your heart.' For some reason, hear this part always makes me cry.

[@hokiericky]

I'm a student at Virginia Tech. I saw this movie when it was prescreened in Blacksburg in November 2006. At that time I didn't think we would ever be able to relate. No such tragedy had yet happened on our campus. With today being the 2-year anniversary of April 16, 2007 I feel a bond with those at Marshall in 1970. This speech speaks to me metaphorically knowing that until the final whistle blows on our lives the 32 we lost will be watching, much like the 75 of Marshall. God Bless Marshall

[@WhoBeSilly]

I'm a Hoo, and we always got your back, dude.

[@sadclown285]

He should've won an Oscar for this. I love Marshall. Shout out to Huntington, Montgomery, and Charleston, WV. Like Denver said, it's almost Heaven.

[@wvjmat1]

"West Virginia! Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.

[@kevincox6946]

2006 couldnt compete with philip seymour hoffman lol.

[@WhoBeSilly]

I love me my Charleston. I get emotional thinking that Bowden gave them all their WVU game footage to study up on. Mountaineers helping each other; you don't really find this kind of people anywhere else in the country. I guess that's why I love this slice of heaven.

[@noehernandez926nh]

My movie favorite sad history

[@arielkirshenbaum2693]

Marshall actually won this game.....

[@JOEPSNDIRECT2303]

Lol

[@christinadoxstader3004]

OK, and? That's what the movie showed so what's your point?

[@dustinburke1109]

2005 Marshall University Alumni. Will never be forgotten.

[@bryanoatman7660]

The most incredible speech ever! The most heart felt, exhilarating speech of all time!

[@naturetrails8357]

Best story in ncaa 🏈 history what a miracle! To put a team on the field next year great deed! We are Marshall! Rise from the ashes indeed !

[@kimma508]

This is the best speech in any movie I’ve ever seen. It’s so powerful and the message of the speech stays with you.

[@haythamkamal1993]

2016 and i still watch that inspiring clip

[@jeffreyadams207]

Every time I need motivation I listen to this!

[@EbonyEyes]

My most favorite Motivational Speech ever.. To some his is just talking about Football.. But to me he is talking about my LIFE! Use to watch this when I felt like giving up.. when I didn't think I could help my father another day.. when my energy, self esteem, self worth was low.. He said lay your HEART on the line.. and you Can not be Defeated.. and he was right.. You can't appreciate the WIN.. until you have lived through and overcome the DEFEAT!

[@LiveINtheGood53]

I think they play this clip at football games, most of it anyway! very very good!

[@diver165]

Marshall didn't loose! They beat Xavier 15 - 13 in the last second on September 25, 1971. Just as the movie showed. I can remember going to the games when they were trying to turn things around. There were more people on the field than there was in the stands. He told me about the crash and that the football program was almost done away with. I was only 4 or 5 at the time. I didn't really understand everything about it. But I knew my grandpa and dad were very passionate about being there.

[@Brock_900]

Xavier dropped football soon after

[@johnwaffleh2p70]

@@Brock_900 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-thId_qbKKj6s

[@jonathantrauner3742]

Never give up. That's my mantra

[@chadrat39]

That's something else man. That's spirit

[@marytomko4766]

I cry every time I watch this. I believe this is one of his best performances ever. You must believe in yourself. Anything is possible with faith.

[@KenCostlow]

Hands down, his best performance.

[@iamanubus2]

No way to watch without crying.....

[@Weebs82589]

This is a passionate speech.

[@salsessa3261]

Every morning before I start work I watch this it is powerful

[@kylermashburn8329]

One of my earliest memories is sitting in the movie theater bawling my eyes out over this scene and now I'm 16 and it still gets to me

[@jasonstocklin3628]

Big 21?

[@r4v3n5m4n14c52]

I’m almost 30 and it gets me.

[@daboys1215]

RIP to the 1970 Thundering Herd football team. 49 years later we still remember and mourn.

[@jameswise6058]

I coached small college football for several years ....That is probably the most inspirational sppech I've ever heard...EVER...

[@bbarber44]

I live here in Huntington best damn movie out there. today is the 45th anniversary and the whole city is ready for this game

[@tommysgirl1966]

+Ben Barber I used to live in Huntington. I am in Florida now. I love this movie.

[@kbholla]

+Ben Barber I ust watch you guys win another bowl game today! congratulations man! it is always an honor to watch my hokies take on your thundering herd. best wishes my friend

[@herdfootballfan2098]

Kbholla always a good game between the Hokies and Herd

[@rebeljoe1457]

By far,this is the best movie I have ever seen!!

[@bubhub64]

It's really good!

[@SneharthoDey]

Here after the tragedy that hit Brazilian football club Chapecoense. RIP

[@bobmasotta3720]

Love this movie, and cry through most of it..

[@dennielemeux1890]

bob masotta Most underrated sports movie ever

[@nancydavis1391]

I DID TOO BOB MASOTTA.....BROKE MY HEART

[@KenCostlow]

bob masotta I can assure you -- you are not alone in that emotion. 😢

[@stevenleckie7102]

Remember the "75" ! I love this movie and the spirit it portrays. Go Herd!

[@robertmullins6501]

Only time i cried at a movie. Very moving

[@PatrickWagz]

I guess you never watched, "Old Yeller"

[@bryanoatman7660]

Unbelievable speech , i was 12 when that happened! I believed from that moment on, i have lived every day to its fullest! I knew that, if something like that could happen, you have to cherish every day , like this is your last day!

[@darcy30693]

One of the best lines ive heard in a movie: "Lay that heart on the line until the final whistle blows, and if you do that, you cannot be defeated."

[@USaustin]

I was an extra in this film and it was truly an honor to be a part of this film. Not only was I an extra, but I was also a student at Marshall (Class of 2006-07). If anyone says anything bad about the speech or the program, my question is "Where's your heart at?"

[@vlogsnstufflikethat]

one of the best speeches in movie history! one of the best movies I've ever seen!

[@goncalodvd]

He looks like Superman after saying "Funerals end today" !! LOL Great movie and incredible inspirational speech by the way ...

[@michaelfox5923]

"I didn't start coaching at Marshall because they paid me to... I just liked it." - Matthew McConaughey

[@conradbenford6087]

"It be alot cooler if ya did"

[@johnwaffleh2p70]

@@conradbenford6087 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-thId_qbKKj6s

[@BlackMaleSpirituality]

I love this scene, it is a motivational one for when I take hard standardized tests. When I was taking the LSAT to get into law school, I watched this scene before I took the test. It was my third try after getting two bad scores and on the day of my third try I watched this scene. I ended up doing a lot better and getting into a good school. Now I am about to take the Bar exam in week and on the days of that test (it is two days long) I will be watching this scene for inspiration. Hopefully I don't get too emotional, lol.

[@bigbeauf_____3167]

This scene always touches me and brings me to tears. I have this movie, but it's sometimes hard to watch because how tragic the event was. I have visited West Virginia about 5 1/2 years ago and I do recommend visiting the state because it's really beautiful.

[@cwmaxwell554]

Every time I watch this clip it gives me goosebumps the environment of the message it has for football players to overcome a tragedy and to be winners on the field

[@89jersy]

For those who don't know. The actual speech given portrayed here was inspired by a speech Sir Matt Busby gave to the Manchester United Football Team in 1968, it is along with this one considered one of the greatest speeches in sports history. After the events in Colombia I can't help but think these words resonate again. May Chapecoense FC rise from the ashes like Torino FC, the Zambian National Team, Manchester United, and Marshall. Gone, but never forgotten.

[@KenCostlow]

Ian McShane once said in an interview that it was the very reason he took the role as Paul in the movie. He is a lifetime Manchester United supporter, and remembered the Munich air disaster. When he saw the MU on the Msrshall playbook, it took him back to that feeling.

[@timhollamby8728]

It's not the wins and losses...It's not the championships and trophies and accolades and cheers...This right here is what college football is all about people...

[@michaelmachado2572]

Good Lord !!! I get goose bumps each time I watch this scene. Will done men.. The 6,,, R.I.P.

[@Jules91961]

I grew up in Huntington and graduated from MU. I lived in the area of Spring Hill Cemetery and cannot count the number of times I walked up to the Marshall memorial (shown in this scene) while growing up just to chill and reflect. It was very surreal to see this on the big screen.

[@samfan14]

I cry every time I watch this movie. I love it so much. I love the message behind the movie

[@rebeljoe1457]

You have to be a West Virginian to understand why I love this movie so much. I was born and raised in these hills and I am very, very proud of that!! You don't need money to survive. Live off the land. It is God's will.

[@essammonem1418]

Sir I wasn't born in West Virginia and I am very far far away from it but I I saw the movie I was so touched and so motivated Jack made history West Virginia made history you team was born new city was born god bless you all and may God bless all the players will die that's crash

[@adamcline2411]

I'm from Canada and I love this movie and i'm not even that big on football.

[@scotth9857]

I live in Virginia and love this movie every time I watch it. I pass by Marshall U on I-64 in Huntington everytime I drive through on the way to Illinois. I want to make a stop there in March.

[@chattjedi]

Great movie but a few scenes were fictional. However, the story is true.

[@jakeschutt4226]

Football isn’t just a game it teaches you a way of life itself

[@daltonduce6248]

This speech is incredible it was this speech that made me work harder at life and to full fill my dreams and aspirations

[@KatieWright01]

I remember you Marshall University on this very day November 14th 2020 I may not have been in your school I may not have been alive in 1970 but I will never forget this anniversary cuz it's a true story of what happened to this school and I will never forget the movie We are Marshall I saw it in the theaters in 2006 when it came out and when I saw that story I fell in love with the movie and its speech and the story behind it I'll never forget this what happened to you this school 50 years ago you guys did rise from the ashes and proved to everybody that you were not defeated you guys could have lost your football team your staff and everything that went with it but you didn't you guys proved that you are not defeated and look at where you're at now you've had many football games since then a full staff and now you're doing everything you can to keep the legacy of those players alive great job Marshall University forever and always you're the thundering herd ☺️☺️☺️

[@garyrife5286]

My alma mater in Shepherdstown, WV (Shepherd University) went to Kansas City this weekend to play in the D2 national championship. It was the first time they made it that far in the playoffs. Parts of this speech were used as motivation for them. Shepherd did not win the game. But, we got to see their hearts. As a side note, I was a senior in high school at the time of the tragedy.....some of my high school's football players graduating that year became part of the Young Thundering Herd. This movie gets me every time.

[@Discordie06]

WE ARE Chapecoense!!! Even the teams colors match :( .... RIP!

[@stevebean1543]

"How you play today, from this moment on, is how you will be remembered."

[@brandontordsen8426]

God bless the team that this movie may have been inspired by but on other hand, this takes into account on any high school seniors that had a great playing season. You played great and your legacy will be remembered

[@ZacksAdventureTime]

I'm born and raised in Huntington WV. I went to the game last week that memorized 50 years. We are undefeated this season. WE ARE!!!

[@thomasbaron5367]

this scene always moves me to tears :')

[@user-zi4nd9cr3b]

We are Marshall the best of my top three football movies, along with Remember the Titans and Rudy.

[@MOBOBBA2166]

Gotta put the Express: The Ernie Davis story up there as well arguably above them but I'm not arguing that bc all of them are great

[@kevin30705]

I also liked “The Gridiron Gang” But this movie outshined them ALL !!!!

[@boogiewoogiepapa4784]

Watch this movie and We Are All Marshall.

[@nathanlujan1628]

I listen to this speech to get me motivated

[@emmyk8]

I will never forget attending that game. Thanks for the memory again!!

[@OsmanTheDragon]

Seeing this makes me want to go there and kick ass in the gym, so that I can play football. And after the tragedy that hit Chapecoense, it makes me even more hyped up to rise from the ashes, just like them. WE ARE... CHAPE! WE ARE... CHAPE! WE ARE... CHAPE!

[@052970]

If you play like that, you can’t lose, you can not be defeated.

[@theicchamp06]

This is what makes Matthew McConaughey such a damn great actor.

[@kaseymccomas7306]

Best speech ever. We go to every home game and love our school. WE ARE....

[@josephflamm3018]

It does not get any better than this!

[@PavanVulli]

One of the best movie I have even seen...thank for posting...Its really sad during the plane crash..n when Red comes back alive..its a great scene...can't stop cryin....really touching...

[@jeffkilfoyle6714]

For all of those who will not be on the field on the field with you today...

[@beckydrogowski7479]

Such an underrated movie! Got no recognition at all. It was simply fantastic! I can't decide who I loved more in it. Matt Mc, Matt F. or Anthony Mackie, they all delivered award winning performances. I've lost count how many times I've watched it now.

[@tercia113]

I watched this movie after they talked about it in Oprah I think in 2007 and till this day it remains the most inspirational movie I have ever seen. I've watched it countless times but still cry everytime I watch it.

[@tjbasconi7018]

I took my wife and kids to the memorial this weekend. If this place won't light your fire, your wood is wet. :)

[@Trailblazer123]

Heart is all we have.... We either have it or we do Not

[@GeorgiaKev]

"Funerals End TODAY." Awesome statement. After nearly a year, the time for GRIEVING the loss of our teammates has passed and the time for HONORING them, as well as ourselves, has come. Now, let's get out there and kick some ass, just as our former teammates would do. Let's go!

[@salsessa3261]

Every morning before I start my work day I watch this epic ty for posting

[@jp5735]

“The funerals end today” that hit deep

[@calvinolwenge.o]

We are Marshalls yes we are. It's true the opponent doesn't know whats in your heart thoughts. Bravoo

[@jacobryder6172]

Being from Huntington, W.V., I love the Thundering Herd and this movie! Amazing speech! We Are... Marshall!

[@ptcreations8947]

I started to treat up as soon as the buses pulled into the cemetery. So sad that this really happened. Thank you Hollywood for treating this horrible tragedy with such RESPECT.

[@1971RobM]

Funerals end today.

[@chrisgodwin8468]

Good win yesterday Marshall. We Are Marshall!

[@herbertthomas3752]

From the ashes of a plane crash they rose. Saw the movie. Loved it. You need to know where you come from!!!!!!

[@stephenfermoyle1498]

imagine making that speech at that sacred place

[@jamieleigh1535]

One hell of a speech

[@patsyeichman6847]

WE ARE MARSHALL.

[@alanwalker4520]

Perhaps one of the greatest inspirational speeches I have ever heard. Man, I tear up every time I hear it. BUT this story needs to be told about how to bring a program up from the ashes to reaching the stars. Just an incredible story/movie to watch.

[@vispacall]

Wonderful - synopsis. Thank You.

[@racingfootball]

THIS IS SO POWERFUL... ALOT TEAMS NEED TO LISTEN TO THIS.... I HAVE ALWAYS CHEER FOR MARSHALL SINCE I LEARNED THE STORY ABOUT THIS BEHIND THIS MOVIE ~

[@r4v3n5m4n14c52]

Same here except when the play the Gators!

[@racingfootball]

@@r4v3n5m4n14c52 me here... ND or FSU

[@spurlocktony]

I've lived in Huntington,WV all my life. I was ten years old when the Marshall plane crash happened. I still remember my Dad and I driving out to the crash sight the next day. That is a day I'll NEVER FORGET. This movie is a tribute to the city of Huntington, and all they went through to make sure the football program continued.

[@DaniReaDawnNicole]

I lived thru this, I knew a lot of people who lost parents and friends and kids.......this was a fantastic portrayal of this time, town and spirit and still is the same today.....good job to the whole movie team

[@stevescallorn50]

still brings tears to my eyes everytime i watch this scene

[@lordtalon69]

I live 13 miles from marshal and remeber the crash of the plane like it was yesterday. I was so glad this film was made. It was so important to the town of huntington to show their spirit.

[@salukistyle]

Other than the speech in Miracle, this is the best speech in a movie. Gives me chills. Not a big McConahay fan, but this to me by far is his best movie. He was made for this role.

[@sumitboral3745]

We all have potential and most of us are just lost, sometimes we need someone to guide us, show us the path to the glory.....

[@josephjanssens6404]

So inspirational. Just a simple game of football offers so many parallels to actual life. Gotta lay it on the line every day...

[@ernieenesi6260]

Great inspirational pregame speech...fantastic....a great win that will never be forgotten.

[@daxmoney5011]

Who’s here after Marshall just beat notre dame

[@TheEgganator324]

Me

[@JohnieReb7]

This was a wonderful movie and this pre game speech was great!

[@JohnieReb7]

This is so inspirational..... no other actor could have done this any better.

[@josephflamm3018]

To this very day, perhaps the greatest sports story I have read, was an article on this event in Inside Sports in I believe 1980.