<P> Forrest and Jenny remained close friends all the way through high school , though he remained a target for bullies . One day , while running from some bullies , he interrupted the local high school 's football practice by running across the field faster than all the players . This feat caught the attention of Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Paul `` Bear '' Bryant , who was at the practice scouting football players . After his incredible running ability impressed the coach , Forrest received a football scholarship to the University of Alabama , where his speed helped them win several games . He played for five years and wore jersey number 44 , which is believed to be a reference to his birth year . He was later named to the All - American team and got to meet President John F. Kennedy at the White House . When asked by the President how he felt , Forrest ( having drunk about fifteen Dr. Peppers ) gave an honest answer : `` I got ta pee . '' </P>
<P> Forrest and Jenny remained close friends all the way through high school , though he remained a target for bullies . One day , while running from some bullies , he interrupted the local high school 's football practice by running across the field faster than all the players . This feat caught the attention of Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Paul `` Bear '' Bryant , who was at the practice scouting football players . After his incredible running ability impressed the coach , Forrest received a football scholarship to the University of Alabama , where his speed helped them win several games . He played for five years and wore jersey number 44 , which is believed to be a reference to his birth year . He was later named to the All - American team and got to meet President John F. Kennedy at the White House . When asked by the President how he felt , Forrest ( having drunk about fifteen Dr. Peppers ) gave an honest answer : `` I got ta pee . '' </P>
who was the coach doing the scouting when forrest ran through football practice
who was the coach doing the scouting when forrest ran through football practice
Paul `` Bear '' Bryant
Paul `` Bear '' Bryant