We Are Marshall (2006)

Last updated:
November 2, 2025

We Are Marshall (2006) is a moving sports drama directed by McG and starring Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, and David Strathairn. Based on a true story, it tells the tale of resilience, grief, and community spirit following one of the darkest tragedies in American sports history.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Tragedy: The Plane Crash

The movie opens with the Marshall University football team in 1970, flying home after a game against East Carolina. Tragically, their plane crashes just short of the runway in Huntington, West Virginia. The crash kills 75 people, including nearly the entire football team, coaches, staff, and supporters. The opening moments set the tone for the emotional journey to follow — one of unimaginable loss.

Aftermath: A Town in Mourning

The aftermath is devastating. The small town of Huntington is shattered. Families, friends, and the entire university reel in grief. University President Donald Dedmon (David Strathairn) faces enormous pressure to suspend the football program entirely. Many agree — the loss is too heavy, the pain too raw.

Hope Returns: Jack Lengyel Steps In

Enter Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey), a quirky but passionate coach who volunteers to rebuild the program when no one else will. His optimism clashes with the town’s despair. Lengyel convinces Dedmon to let him rebuild the team and eventually persuades the NCAA to allow Marshall to play freshmen, an exception that enables the school to form a new team quickly.

Building a New Team

Lengyel recruits Red Dawson (Matthew Fox), one of the assistant coaches who narrowly escaped the crash because he was scouting during that fateful trip. Red is reluctant but eventually joins, driven by guilt and a sense of duty to the fallen team. They rebuild from scratch — with walk-ons, freshmen, and even soccer players who have never played football before.

First Game: The Return of the Herd

Marshall’s first game back is against Morehead State University. The new team struggles through the game, showing heart but lacking experience. Against all odds, they manage to score a last-minute touchdown, securing a miraculous win. The crowd erupts, the players cry, and the town finally begins to heal. The victory is not just a win on the field — it’s symbolic of rebirth and resilience.

The Struggle Continues

After their first win, the team continues to lose most of their games that season. But the record doesn’t matter. What matters is that they showed up, that they rebuilt something beautiful from loss. Red Dawson, haunted by survivor’s guilt, slowly finds peace as he helps the players grow. Lengyel becomes a father figure, focusing on character and perseverance rather than victory.

Movie Ending

The final act of We Are Marshall delivers a powerful emotional conclusion. The film closes with the team traveling to East Carolina — the same opponent they faced before the crash. Lengyel meets with East Carolina’s coach, who shares his own guilt for having won that last game. Together, they honor the lost players.

In the final game of the season, Marshall loses, but the film makes it clear that winning isn’t the point anymore. The town stands together, proud of their team. The last scenes show the stadium filled with cheering fans, honoring both the living and the dead.

A postscript reveals that under Lengyel’s leadership, the team and university continued to rebuild, and the Thundering Herd eventually became one of the most respected programs in college football. The movie closes with real photos of the 1971 Marshall team and a dedication to those lost in the crash.

The ending is bittersweet, heartfelt, and deeply cathartic — a perfect balance of closure and tribute.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, We Are Marshall does not have any post-credits scenes. However, the credits feature real footage and photographs of the Marshall University team and community from the early 1970s, making them worth watching for historical context and emotional resonance.

Type of Movie

We Are Marshall is a biographical sports drama with themes of tragedy, recovery, and unity. It’s not just about football — it’s about human spirit, grief, and finding strength when everything seems lost.

Cast

Matthew McConaughey as Jack Lengyel
Matthew Fox as Red Dawson
David Strathairn as President Donald Dedmon
Anthony Mackie as Nate Ruffin
Kate Mara as Annie Cantrell
Ian McShane as Paul Griffen
January Jones as Carol Dawson

Film Music and Composer

The music was composed by Christophe Beck, known for his emotionally rich scores. The soundtrack blends somber, orchestral melodies with uplifting themes that perfectly accompany the film’s emotional arcs. Popular songs from the 1970s are also used to ground the story in its period.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in West Virginia and Georgia, including real locations in Huntington and at Marshall University. The use of authentic sites, such as the real Memorial Fountain and Joan C. Edwards Stadium, adds powerful realism. Filming in Huntington allowed the movie to honor the actual community affected by the tragedy.

Awards and Nominations

While We Are Marshall did not receive major award nominations, it was praised for its emotional performances and direction. It remains a favorite among sports film enthusiasts and has been used in motivational and leadership programs due to its inspiring true story.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Matthew McConaughey met with the real Jack Lengyel several times to understand his personality and leadership style.
The production involved Marshall University alumni and families of the victims to ensure authenticity and respect.
Director McG said he was deeply moved by the experience and called it “the most meaningful film” he had ever made.
The movie’s release was accompanied by a remembrance ceremony at Marshall University.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on true events following the 1970 Marshall University plane crash. It was adapted from real interviews, university records, and historical accounts of how the football program and town recovered.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There were a few deleted scenes showing more of the grieving families and additional training sequences for the new team. None of these significantly altered the story, but they provided more emotional context. No alternate ending was filmed; the filmmakers chose to stay true to real events.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While not directly based on a single book, the film draws inspiration from the historical accounts. The film condenses certain events and characters for storytelling purposes but remains faithful to the spirit of the true story.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The plane crash aftermath, showing the haunting silence over Huntington.
Lengyel’s speech to the NCAA, convincing them to allow freshmen players.
The first game victory — the “We Are Marshall!” chant echoing through the stadium.
The graveyard scene, where Lengyel speaks to the lost players before a game.

Iconic Quotes

Jack Lengyel: “We are Marshall. And today, we’re going to play football.”
Nate Ruffin: “You can’t play for a win. You play for the ones we lost.”
Jack Lengyel: “From the ashes, we will rise.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The real Jack Lengyel appears briefly as a fan in the stands during the first home game scene.
The uniforms and helmets used in the film were exact replicas of the 1971 Marshall team’s equipment.
The memorial fountain shown in the movie is the real one located on the Marshall University campus.

Trivia

The movie was filmed in chronological order to help actors experience the emotional arc naturally.
Many extras in the stadium scenes were real Marshall students and Huntington residents.
Matthew McConaughey based his speech patterns on recordings of the real Jack Lengyel.
The cast and crew attended a private memorial service before filming began.

Why Watch?

Because We Are Marshall is more than a sports film — it’s a deeply human story about grief, hope, and perseverance. It’s ideal for those who appreciate true stories of courage and resilience. Even if you’re not a sports fan, this movie hits hard emotionally and leaves a lasting impression.

Director’s Other Movies

Charlie’s Angels (2000)
Terminator Salvation (2009)
3 Days to Kill (2014)
The Babysitter (2017)

We Are Marshall (2006)