Before Caitlin Clark was a WNBA star for the Indiana Fever, the point guard gained the national spotlight during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
During her four-year college career from 2020-24, Clark became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, passing former LSU Tigers star Pete Maravich. She also led Iowa to two straight national championship appearances.
Gabbie Marshall was also a key player in Iowa’s recent success. But the 24-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio decided to retire from basketball following college.
During Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, Marshall headed back home to attend the Cincinnati Bengals’ 41-38 overtime loss against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Bengals posted a photo of Marshall tailgating outside of Paycor Stadium onto their Instagram account and Clark took notice, leaving her former teammate a message.
“Spirit animal,” Clark captioned her Instagram story. “Go Chiefs.”
Marshall followed up by firing back with her own team’s chant.
“WHO DEY!!!!!” Marshall wrote.
Gabbie Marshall responds to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark
Screenshot from Gabbie Marshall’s Instagram story
Marshall played in 166 games for Iowa between 2019 and 2024, starting in 137 of them. In 27.7 minutes per game, she averaged 6.6 points on 40.6% shooting, 1.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Even though her team lost, Marshall may have picked the best NFL game of the season to attend. Cincinnati held a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter before the Ravens were able to tie it up in the final 5:24 of the game.
In overtime, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson fumbled, giving the Bengals a great field position to secure the win. However, on a 53-yard attempt, the holder muffed the snap, causing the kicker to miss it. The Ravens scored and won on the next drive.
