Actor, director share love of Marshall story

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Marshall University press conference held Wednesday for Matthew McConaughey and McG was probably more informal than most. But it was understandable, as the two had just been whisked into the press room at Joan C. Edwards Stadium moments after walking with the Thundering Herd football team from the Cam Henderson Center.

The actor, McConaughey, and director, McG, are central figures in the Warner Bros. movie “We Are Marshall” coming out in December.

McConaughey made the same walk before the Marshall Green and White spring game in April, but said Wednesday night’s walk had more resonance.

“This was better,” he said. “The team had a different look in their eye.”

McG was quick to add: “It was thrilling. I always like traditions like that.”

McConaughey also discussed a special episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that will focus on “We Are Marshall,” which tells the story of a 1970 plane crash that killed most of the football team, coaches and several community members and the rebuilding year that followed. McConaughey and Winfrey both had an emotional reaction to a screening of the film.

“I showed it to her and I think we both shared a tear,” he said.

McConaughey said he ended the episode by leading Winfrey’s audience in a cheer of “We are … Marshall,” after they watched the film.