Sunday Sunday Sunday! On this upcoming Sunday, February 7th, the big game will be played in Northern California. The Denver Broncos will be facing off against the Carolina Panthers. Seems like the day will never get here. I’m not a fan of either team, but I am a huge football fan, and once it’s over we will be in limbo again for another six months. I thought I would help you pass the time until kickoff with this list of my top five football movies. So pull up a chair, grab a beer, and take those nachos out of the oven. It is time to take the hand-off and barrel down the field to Pirri’s fabulous five football movies of all time.
# 5
Any Given Sunday (1999) – This movie is directed by Oliver Stone and stars Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, and James Woods. If that does not qualify this movie already then I don’t know what will. The film revolves around an aging quarterback who suddenly gets injured and has to give way to his young protege. Oliver Stone as usual takes his spin on a movie and shows you all the controversial behind the scenes antics that America is always craving. Whether it be the drug use and partying lifestyle of the professional football players, or the behind the scenes of a team and what the owner, coach, and other personnel on the team are thinking.
#4
The Longest Yard (1974) – In my opinion… the only Longest Yard movie. The Adam Sandler version is just plain garbage. Burt Reynolds plays an ex-quarterback who is now serving time in a penitentiary. The warden of the prison asks him to put a team of inmates together to give the guards a team to play against. This film has it all from some great football scenes, to the inner workings of the prison life. Now toss in some scenes that will have you smiling ear from ear and you have an instant classic. This film just shows what a great comedic and serious actor Burt Reynolds could be back in his heyday.
#3
North Dallas Forty (1979) – This film is all about professional football players in the early seventies. Of course the team is based loosely around America’s team the Dallas Cowboys. Not only does this movie show what playing the game was like back then, but also the party hardy lifestyle these players lived. From abusing pills, liquor, and of course women. Nick Nolte is excellent in this film. He plays an aging wide receiver who will do anything on and off the field to be the best he can be. If you ever wanted to see what a locker room was like in this era, this will be the closet you get.
#2
Rudy (1993) – It is hard for me to put this movie so high on the list, being a huge fan of USC, but it is a great film. A young man keeps getting laughed at because his one goal is to play for the University of Notre Dame. Watching Rudy, played by Sean Austin, overcome every obstacle thrown at him and earn the respect of his teammates is just classic. Whether or not you are a fan of football, this movie will make you stand up and give a standing ovation to your television. Yes Rudy is small, but his heart is the size of a giants, and sometimes that is more valuable then skill.
Drum Roll Please…
#1
Brian’s Song (1971) – The television movie based on the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and their friendship together on the Chicago Bears. Two unlikely friends competing for the same spot on the same team. This film will make any grown man shed a tear, and if they say the opposite… they’re lying. The movie touches ones heart and soul and will make you wonder why you are not a better person. Yes, that’s right! A sports movie that makes you think that there is more to life than sports.
There you have it! Let me know your favorite football movies in the comments below!