Plot
This biopic focuses on the relationship of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), a gifted African-American athlete, and his coach from 1958 to 1962 at Syracuse University, Ben Schwartzwalder (1909-1993). Schwartzwalder recruits Davis with the help of All-American running back, Jim Brown. The civil rights movement is gaining steam; Davis experiences prejudice on campus, in town, and on the field, sometimes from teammates. How he handles it and how he challenges Schwartzwalder to stand up for his players provide a counterpoint to several great seasons that lead first to a national championship and then to the Heismann Trophy.
Written by
Charles Leavitt, Robert Gallagher
Directed by
Gary Fleder
Crew
Production Countries
United States of America, Germany
Production Companies
Universal Pictures, IDEA Filmproduktions, Relativity Media, Davis Entertainment
Languages
English
Awards
1 win & 3 nominations