It’s almost time for the Big Game, the perfect opportunity to curl up with some of your favorite American football movies. And the best part? There's a wide variety to choose from.
Instead of the usual "Any Given Sunday" or "Remember the Titans," I’ve explored a unique category of true-story films focusing on one player. Some are classics, while others I hadn’t heard of until a quick Google search.
Even though all these movies follow the same formula, I’m an admitted sucker for them, so enjoy my list of three college and 2 NFL players’ stories.
Greater (2016)
This is the account of Brandon Burlsworth, who was initially dismissed as too overweight and short to play college football. Despite this, he joined the Arkansas Razorbacks football team as a walk-on in 1994. Burlsworth was a committed Christian who abstained from drinking and swearing, eventually earning great respect on the team after a challenging beginning. Tragically, his aspiration to play in the NFL was never realized, as he died in a car accident 11 days after being drafted.
American Underdog (2021)
This is the sole occasion I will endorse anything related to the Rams because this film is about the 99-00 St. Louis Rams championship season (LOL) (I'm uncertain if I can use the SB term, so I'm steering clear of it entirely...lol). This true story highlights Kurt Warner's journey from a grocery store stockboy to SB MVP and NFL MVP. Regardless of your opinion on the current state of the Rams, it's challenging to find a more compelling rags-to-riches story than Warner's.
The Express (2008)
Full disclosure: I hadn't heard of this movie until I looked it up, but I was thrilled I did. This 2008 film tells the story of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. After being recruited by Syracuse's head coach, with assistance from Jim Brown, the movie explores Davis's challenges as an African-American player on campus, at other universities, and in various cities. Unfortunately, it's another narrative where we don't witness our player finding success in the NFL, as Davis's life was tragically cut short at 23 due to leukemia.
Rudy (1993)
It's a classic. This film is based on the true story of Daniel E. 'Rudy' Ruettiger, who, against all odds, becomes a walk-on for Notre Dame football. While we know the story exaggerates his playing career and the dramatic field carry-off, who doesn't chant "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy" after achieving something fun? No? Just me? Fine. Maybe it's the short person in me, but I love watching an undersized guy succeed in football.
Invincible (2006)
It's likely my favorite because when Mark Wahlberg nails a role, he truly nails it. Additionally, it humorously captures the...uh...spirit of Eagles fans at the stadium. Some parts of the story are fictionalized, and specific topics are omitted to enhance the cinematic experience. Still, it's an entertaining, inspiring film, especially timely with the Eagles in the Super Bowl this year. No, Vince Papale never scored a touchdown, but he did catch a 15-yard pass (his only reception) and served as the Special Teams captain in 1978.
Love these reviews and the uniqueness of the choices/topics! I have seen 3 ofnthen4 of these and I always thought that Ernie Davis was Gale Sayers right before there was Gale Sayers just in the fluid and smooth way they both ran.