Ep 25. Brian and The Boz (Thaddeus D. Matula)

Brian Bosworth was one of the most polarizing figures in college football. He was known for his flamboyant personality, outrageous hairstyles, and hard-hitting style of play. In 1986, Bosworth and the Oklahoma Sooners faced off against the University of Miami Hurricanes in what was dubbed the "National Championship of Swagger." However, the most memorable moment of the game came before it even started, when Bosworth decided to wear a t-shirt that read "National Communists Against Athletes" on national television.

This episode of 30 For 30 explores the rise and fall of Brian Bosworth, and how he became one of the most controversial figures in sports history. Through interviews with Bosworth, his family, his coaches, and his teammates, we get a glimpse into the man behind the persona, and how his outsized personality both helped and hindered his career.

The episode begins with Bosworth's early years in Oklahoma, where he quickly established himself as a standout on the football field. He was recruited by legendary coach Barry Switzer, who recognized his talent but was also wary of his rebellious streak. Switzer and Bosworth began to clash almost immediately, with Bosworth chafing at Switzer's strict rules and discipline.

Despite the tensions between them, Bosworth led the Sooners to back-to-back national championships in 1985 and 1986, cementing his place in college football history. However, it was his off-field antics that made him famous. Bosworth became a media sensation, appearing on talk shows and hanging out with celebrities like Madonna and David Letterman. His outlandish hairstyles and fashion sense made him a trendsetter, and his brash personality made him a lightning rod for criticism.

The episode also explores Bosworth's relationship with his father, who was a Vietnam War veteran struggling with PTSD. Bosworth's rebellious streak was partly a reaction to his strict upbringing, and the two often clashed over Bosworth's choices. However, his father's influence was also a driving force behind Bosworth's success, as he pushed his son to never give up and to fight for what he believed in.

As Bosworth's star began to fade, he turned to acting, starring in a series of B-movies and making guest appearances on TV shows. However, his Hollywood career was short-lived, and he eventually retired from football and faded from the public eye.

Through it all, Bosworth remained unapologetic about his choices, both on and off the field. He saw himself as a rebel and an iconoclast, and while his antics may have made him a divisive figure, they also helped him stand out from the crowd. In the end, Brian Bosworth may have been too big for the sports world, but his impact on the game and on popular culture is still felt today.