10 Best Movies About Football Players That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Football Players

Film and television shows about football have included imaginary athletes who can play at every position on the field.

American football-themed films and television shows are among the best sports stories ever told. Other sports lend themselves more readily than football to dramatic storytelling in the same way that boxing does in various mediums.

In these films and shows, a player who is noted for his or her skill on the field is usually the protagonist. Every episode and every minute may not give them a chance to show off their talents, but you get a sense of who is good and whose aren’t. Some of these athletes are up there with the best that have ever graced a screen.

 1. Ricky Jerret (Ballers)

Ricky Jerret (Ballers)

As with many football-related shows, HBO’sBallersdidn’t focus on the game itself. Dwayne Johnson played former NFL player Spencer Strasmore, who worked as a financial manager for NFL stars in the series. Ricky Jerret was one of them (John David Washington).

Jerret’s abilities in the middle of games weren’t frequently observed. But it was evident that Jerret was one of the league’s best players back then. Although he had off-the-field problems, teams were eager to give him an opportunity because of his talent.

2. Becky “The Icebox” O’Shea (Little Giants)

Only because Becky O’Shea (Shawna Waldron) only ever played in pee-wee football on the big screen does she not rank higher. She could have been able to go up the ranks of the sport if she had been on a television show.

Becky is the best player on the field in 1994’s Little Giants, but she wasn’t selected by her uncle since she’s a woman. The Icebox entered the game in the middle and turned the tide against her uncle’s team when they faced off. While doing so, she demonstrated her legendary status on defense by brutally stopping the savage Spike.

3. Lucy Draper (Necessary Roughness)

Lucy Draper (Necessary Roughness)

In 1991’s Necessary Roughness, the Texas State Fightin’ Armadillos weren’t exactly one of the best football teams featured on the film, but they had several standouts. Since they were undermanned and had to play ironman rules, the ragtag team was fatigued and battled to keep up.

The team’s fortunes began to improve only once they acquired a placekicker. Draper, a member of the school’s soccer squad, was brought in as a kicker to help out. Under difficult conditions, she managed to make the game-tying field goal.

4. Willie Beamen (Any Given Sunday)

The AFFA’s Miami Sharks were the subject of most of 1999’s Any Given Sunday.

In spite of this, the games itself got plenty of attention, and while several players stood out, Jamie Foxx’s Willie Beamen was the real highlight of the show.

Beamen, the Sharks’ quarterback, is a gifted passer, but he is also his own worst enemy, as proven by his temper issues. When he’s on the field, he’ll blow you away and showboat at the same time, making him extremely entertaining. Also, towards the end of the story, he has become more of a team player.

5. Bobby Boucher (The Waterboy)

Bobby Boucher (The Waterboy)

Bobby Boucher’s (Adam Sandler) lack of experience and football illiteracy are the two greatest criticisms leveled at him as a player. On the Mud Dogs, though, he learned from his coach that he didn’t need a lot of knowledge to be a star in 1998’sThe Waterboy.

Boucher only needed to visualize and attack in order to be great. When he stared at the opposition, he would imagine someone who had hurt or insulted him in the past and then attack them. As a result, he rose to the status of a star player and led the woeful Mud Dogs to the Bourbon Bowl.

6. Rod Tidwell (Jerry Maguire)

In 1996’s Jerry Maguire, the principal focus was on a sports agent rather than a player, which was a first for the film industry. While Tom Cruise was the star of the show, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Rod Tidwell was the best player on the field.

The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, Laquon Treadwell, is a regular client of Maguire’s. At first glance, Tidwell doesn’t seem to be worth the money. It is only afterwards that he proves himself worthy as a star player who puts his body on the line to help his team win a spot in the playoffs.

7. Vontae Mack (Draft Day)

Vontae Mack (Draft Day)

Bo Callahan, the best quarterback in the draft, is constantly urged on Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner) to grab him with the first pick on NFL Draft Day 2014. Sonny takes a different path since there’s something about Bo that doesn’t feel right to him.

Instead, he surprises everyone by selecting Ohio State linebacker Vontae Mack (Chadwick Boseman). Although he wasn’t as well-known as Callahan, a closer look revealed that Mack had the upper hand whenever the two of them faced off. When you combine it with Mack’s on-field intensity and heart, he’s a clear standout.

8. Paul Crewe (The Longest Yard)

If you’re viewing The Longest Yard in either 1974 or 2005, you’ll see the actual football being played out on a jail yard rather than a football field. In spite of this, Paul Crewe (Burt Reynolds/Adam Sandler) is still in the running as the greatest of the lot.

Crewe’s abilities as a quarterback are undeniable; he was a top NFL quarterback before he was expelled for cheating in the points system. As a result, despite being imprisoned, he is still an excellent professional. Crewe makes a big impact as the inmate group’s leader, stepping up to the plate to prove his mettle and leading the group to triumph.

9. Spencer James (All American)

Spencer James (All American)

Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) on The CW’s All American has a unique quality that sets him apart from the rest. Even though he’s best known for his offensive talents (running back and wide receiver), the teenager has also excelled at safety and kick returner positions.

The addition of James to Beverly Hills High’s roster is exactly what the school needs to go on and win a state title. As talented as he is, he’s the only one who can save Crenshaw High from oblivion, and he’s returning to his old high school. Aside from his father’s single-game touchdown record being equaled, James had a run of great performances.

10.  Vince Howard (Friday Night Lights)

Friday Night Lights is often regarded as the pinnacle of football television. Players like Matt Saracen, Jason Street, Smash Williams, Tim Riggins, Luke Cafferty, and others shone well in the production. Choosing the best from the rest can be a challenge.

Vince Howard appears to be the person in charge (Michael B. Jordan). As of season 4, he was quarterback for East Dillon High School. In many ways, Howard resembled a cross between Street and Smash in terms of his passing abilities and his running prowess, which is an impressive combo. In just two years, he transformed the Lions from a mediocre club into a state champion.