Kirk Ferentz of Iowa left 50 Cent’s “Many Men” at Kinnick Stadium after a game suspension
Nothing is more typical of Iowa football than a suffocating defense, rushing punts, and an often inept offense.
And perhaps no song marks a more triumphant return than 50 Cent’s 2003 hit “Many Men” from his album Get rich or die trying.
When you combine a gangster rap anthem with a 69-year-old white football coach coming back from a suspension to coach in a rivalry many people have dubbed “El Assico” — you create another moment that embodies why so many people love college football. It’s silly, funny, incredibly stupid, petty and to the point, and it leans into all of that.
In case you missed it, Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz was suspended for the Hawkeyes’ season opener for a recruiting violation.
That set the scene Saturday afternoon at Kinnick Stadium, where Ferentz appeared on the sidelines for the first time this season. As he walked onto the field and was shown on the big screen, 50 Cent’s iconic song blared from the speakers.
If it feels like “Many Men” is making a comeback 21 years after its initial release, that’s because it is. According to Billboard, on-demand audio streams of the song increased 250% in July, in the days following the assassination of former President Donald Trump. 50 Cent took notice, too, and began selling new T-shirts featuring the song.
We’ll keep you updated on all of 50 Cent’s appearances alongside Ferentz. Perhaps the rapper has a future as the Hawkeyes’ next offensive coordinator. He can’t do any worse than the last guy.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz left 50 Cent’s “Many Men” at Kinnick Stadium after being suspended
