Behind the Scenes: On the Set of We Are Marshall

Call Me Coach

I always thought that the directors were the ones giving the orders on the set, but McConaughey played "Coach" 24/7. I actually got to watch as he gave his "team" (aka the actors playing football players) a pep talk before cameras even rolled on the locker room scene. He talked to them like he was Coach Lengyl -- and boy did they listen. The fellas were huddled up, doing cheers and knocking chests like real players.

"When these kids who are extras arrive, all they know is that Matthew McConaughey is playing the role of Jack Lengyl, who is their coach. I've got to get past that immediately and that starts with my first appearance with those kids. I'm talking about street clothes. So I introduced myself as Coach Lengyl. One, that helps me start believing. Two, they start seeing me as a coach. And it really just makes it fun because we're playing make believe. Our job is to make you believe. So, let's start it right out of the gate. Let's start in preproduction. Let's start when we meet in the wardrobe. Let's do it. We're playing more than dress up here."

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