Monday, January 25, 2010

Football Movie You Probably Missed, Part II


Since the Super Bowl for this year is finally set, I figured it was time to bring forth this lil' review.


Blood Equity is a movie about the NFL, specifically the problems that the former and retired NFL players face with the health benefits. At least that was my take on it. Here's an excerpt:

The purpose of this film is to educate and seek solutions for improving life for many of these men after playing in one of the world's most violent games...Collectively, these former NFL Champions attest to the poor treatment that many NFL players receive from the Player's Union once they retire. Along with increasing public awareness, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Gridiron Greats Foundation. Founded by Jerry Kramer and other Hall of Famers, the Gridiron Greats Foundation was established to assist retired players in need.

As I watched the film, I found myself enthralled by the stories, not only of prior greatness, but of the seemingly harsh treatment that these gridiron warriors faced after their professional careers ended.

As a Texas boy, I watched Darryl Johnston run and block for the Dallas Cowboys during the Jimmie Johnson era. The Moose was no slouch and Emmitt Smith had best thank Moose when he is enshrined. But for all that, the career-ending injury was only the beginning of his problems with the NFL.

Of most interest is the comments that a few viewers placed on the forum, ranging from sympathetic to down-right nasty. The movie isn't without its faults (namely the attack against a man who would pass away soon after filming was completed, but this is somewhat addressed at the end of the film). Understanding that existing bias, it's worth of a watch by any NFL fan.

I won't spoil anything for you here. There are a variety of ways to check out the movie, but I was fortunate enough to queue it up on my Hulu account. Set up an account and check it out here.

2 comments:

Kristopher A. Denby said...

Man, I just can't do the football movie thing. I have a hard enough time sitting down to watch real football games, much less movies about them.

The Mert said...

It's documentary, so think of it as a learning experience.

But if you aren't into manly sports, then...


LOL...