Bill O'Brien addresses what Red Bandana Game means to him

Former Texans coach, as well as Alabama and Patriots offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien, is the new coach at Boston College, which means he had to learn about the program’s rich traditions.

One tradition dear to the hearts of BC fans and alums is the Red Bandana Game, played annually to honor the memory of Welles Crowther.

A Boston College graduate, Crowther was an equities trader and volunteer firefighter who was in the South Tower during the 9/11 attacks. Following the initial plane crash, he helped several people down to safety at the bottom of the stairs and continued returning back up to assist people until the collapse of the building ultimately took his life.

To honor such heroic efforts from their own alum, Boston College has since dedicated a game to Crowther, titled the Red Bandana Game, since he was identified by the unique red bandana he wore to cover his nose and mouth during the rescues.

With this being his first year as coach, Bill O’Brien got a chance at ACC Media Days to speak on his first impressions of the event and what it means to the program.

“That is something that I have not experienced as a coach, obviously, but have heard a lot about and have seen the game on TV,” he said.

“What it means, let’s just start with the Crowther family. Welles Crowther. What he did on 9/11 was something you can’t even put words to it,” O’Brien continued. “He’s a hero. He’s a hero in the sense that he saved so many lives. He did it while wearing a red bandana that he wore as a lacrosse player at Boston College.”

Even though O’Brien will be an active participant in his very first Red Bandana Game, he knows his players understand the meaning behind it.

“Means a lot to alums, but also people around the world. We’ll play Michigan State this year. Our guys understand the meaning of the game. These guys have played in the game before, so they really understand it,” O’Brien said. “It will be my first experience coaching in the game. But it’s a very special game and a very special memory of Welles Crowther that we memorialize for that game.”

The Eagles will welcome Michigan State on Sept. 21 for the 2024 Red Bandana Game to honor Crowther and what his effort symbolizes. Bill O’Brien knows it’s a special day for the school and an honor to participate in the celebration.