Today, Red Dirt country singer-songwriter Wade Bowen unveiled the official music video for his latest single, “Friday Night (Ft. Troy Aikman).” This nostalgic track, which features Bowen’s friend and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, is part of his most recent album Flyin, released earlier this year.
The video offers a cinematic experience, following a former high school football quarterback as he reflects on life, love, and the unforgettable moments of his youth. NFL legend Troy Aikman appears as the football announcer, grounding the video in football nostalgia. Bowen shared his excitement about the project, saying, “The song ‘Friday Night’ took me right back to playing football in high school and flooded me with so many childhood memories.”
A Journey Back to Hometown Memories
The video, which plays like a short film, invites viewers to step back into their own past. Through scenes of high school football games, late-night hangouts at the local diner, and falling in love with his high school sweetheart, the protagonist’s journey is one of deep reflection. These themes of youth and nostalgia are brought to life as the audience follows him down memory lane, revisiting some of the most meaningful moments of his adolescence.
Bowen’s collaboration with Troy Aikman adds another layer of sentiment to the project. Not only is Aikman featured as the football announcer, but the video also includes a special appearance by Bowen’s former football coach, giving it a personal touch. “I’m so honored to not only know Troy, but to also call him a friend. He’s an amazing guy and shares a true passion for music, so having him on this song and in this video is a dream come true for me,” Bowen said.
“Friday Night” – A Song That Resounds with Nostalgia
“Friday Night (Ft. Troy Aikman)” taps into a universal feeling of nostalgia, capturing the essence of those formative high school years filled with friendships, romance, and self-discovery. Bowen reflects on how the song brings him back to his own high school days and how it resonates even more deeply now as his son begins his own journey in high school football.
“It takes me back to figuring out life, love, friends, and to a hometown nostalgia that never fades. It’s been fun to relive these memories, especially as my son starts his second year playing high school football. I truly feel like the lyrics relate to so many of us, and that the video will help tie the story together, making you remember why you wanna think of home,” Bowen shared.
The Story Behind Flyin
“Friday Night” is one of the standout singles from Bowen’s 10th studio album, Flyin, which debuted in May 2024. This 12-track album showcases Bowen’s versatility as it seamlessly moves between classic honky-tonk sounds, heart-wrenching ballads, and rock-infused tracks. With Flyin, Bowen not only produced the entire album himself but also poured his love for his home state of Texas into the music, a reflection of how deeply his roots influence his sound and identity.
Since its release, Flyin has garnered widespread attention in the country music scene, further cementing Bowen’s place as one of the genre’s most dynamic artists.
Be sure to watch the official music video for “Friday Night (Ft. Troy Aikman)” and experience the heartfelt nostalgia that makes this track and video so special.
Watch the Video
Catch the official music video for “Friday Night (Ft. Troy Aikman)”
Photo Credit – Cameron Gott
