Sports Video Highlight Article

Excellent Football Movie

One of my all time favorite football movies is "Brian's Song". This is a movie about Chicago Bears running back, Brian Piccolo. Piccolo died at the age of 26 from cancer. This movie details his friendship with fellow teammate Gale Sayers.

There is one line in this movie that immediately brings tears to my eyes. It is in the beginning of the movie. The narrator says "Ernest Hemingway said that every true story ends in death. This is a true story." Every time I hear that line, I get a lump in my throat and tears spring to my eyes. It signifies that this movie will be one where you'll need plenty of tissues.

This movie also tells the story of the bond that Piccolo and Sayers shared. In the late 60's, racial tension was still high. The friendship that developed between these two men defied those boundaries. They were truly, in every sense of the words, best friends. They become roommates on road games, which was unheard of in the late 60's.

This made-for-TV movie was released in 1971. James Caan stars as Brian Piccolo and Billy Dee Williams stars as Gale Sayers. These actors did an excellent job of portraying these characters. They truly made the roles their own.

The scene when Sayers learns that Brian is dying of cancer is one of the more poignant moments of the movie. The look of shock and disbelief that crosses his face is true to life. When Sayers tells his teammates of Brian's illness, he struggles valiantly to stay in control. As his voice shakes, you feel the raw emotion.

This movie also has some humorous moments. Brian Piccolo had a wonderful sense of humor and Caan portrays that in a realistic manner. Billy Dee Williams, likewise, portrays Sayers' quiet demeanor with ease.

Among the other cast members are Jack Warden as legendary Bears head coach George Halas, Shelley Fabares as Brian's wife, Joy, and Judy Pace as Linda Sayers, Gale's wife. This movie also stars some of the Chicago Bears players as themselves. It also has scenes from actual football games.

I would highly recommend this movie for anyone who likes sports movies. This is truly an inspirational movie. One of courage, friendship, and comradery. It is a movie that will make you laugh and will make you cry. But it is definitely worth watching.