The story behind Boston College’s annual Red Bandana Game

Some things in life are bigger than sports. I’m sure you all can think of moments where a game became less important because of something else going on. Whether it’s a heartbreaking injury, a major event going on in the world or a celebration of life there are instances where you watch a game and get to witness something that will stick with you forever.

Michigan State will have that moment this weekend as Jonathan Smith and his team travel to Boston College.

The Spartan’s game at Boston College Saturday night will be the Eagles 11th annual Red Bandana Game, and the story behind this tradition is one of the most heart breaking yet heart warming stories I have ever heard.

Joe Pompliano shared the story behind former Boston College lacrosse player Welles Crowther who is the man behind the Red Bandana. I highly recommend taking the 13 minutes to watch his story as it is truly one of the most heroic stories you will ever hear.

Long story short, Crowther was working in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, and lost his life during this tragedy. Crowther was credited with saving at least 18 lives on this day as many survivors told their story of how a man in a red bandana emerged from the smoke to help lead them to safety before climbing the stairs of the World Trade Center multiple times to save as many people as possible. Crowther wore his red bandana every day of his life since he was a kid, so when it was later found amongst the wreckage his family immediately knew it was him.

Once a year Boston College celebrates the life that Crowther lived and the sacrifice that he made on this day with their annual Red Bandana Game. And it just so happens that game is taking place this weekend when Michigan State plays Boston College on Saturday.

Smith recently spoke about this tradition as wel and he sounds extremely excited to be a part of it.

Now while the result of this game still matters, a potential loss will sting a little less knowing that we got to take part in such a cool tradition. To those traveling to Boston for the game, I highly recommend getting behind this tradition in any way you can, even if it means wearing a Boston College themed red bandana during the game. I know for a fact I have a red bandana hiding somewhere in my house, so I’ll have to do some searching to find that before the game on Saturday.

Win or lose, I hope this is a moment that we will remember forever and I’m happy that Michigan State gets to take part in what I think is one of the coolest traditions in all of college football.