Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.
- Won 5 Primetime Emmys
- 11 wins & 8 nominations total
- Themselves
- (as The Chicago Bears Players)
- Veteran Player #1
- (as Happy Hairston)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaHaving played football in high school, James Caan was a more accomplished athlete than Billy Dee Williams. In the film, Gale Sayers is supposed to surpass Brian Piccolo in speed and playing ability, so Caan was forced to slow down considerably so that Williams could believably outplay him.
- GoofsWhen the coaches ask Sayers to room with Piccolo in 1965, they warn that people in cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, and Miami won't take well to integrated roommates. Atlanta didn't join the NFL until 1966, New Orleans 1967, and Houston and Miami until the AFL/NFL merger in 1970. Miami wasn't even in the AFL until 1966.
- Quotes
Gale Sayers: [accepting the George S. Halas award] I'd like to say a few words about a guy I know, a friend of mine. His name is Brian Piccolo. And he has the heart of a giant, and that rare form of courage which allows him to kid himself and his opponent: cancer. He has a mental attitude which makes me proud to have a friend who spells out 'courage' - 24 hours a day, every day of his life. Now, you flatter me - by giving me this award. But I say to you here now - Brian Piccolo is the man of courage who should receive the George S. Halas award. It is mine tonight - and Brian Piccolo's tomorrow.
[Theme "Brian's Song" begins to play]
Gale Sayers: I love Brian Piccolo. And I'd like all of you to love him too. And tonight, hit your knees, please ask God to love him.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 24th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1972)
- elizabethbennett
- Dec 16, 2003
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Freunde bis in den Tod
- Filming locations
- St. Joseph's College - U.S. Highway 231, Rensselaer, Wheatfield, Indiana, USA(training camp scenes)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro