Dave MigdalIt's easy to get caught up in football movies, whether you are a diehard football fan or a casual observer of the game. There's something about the struggling team that somehow finds a way to win, or the coach that finds a way to help his beloved team beat daunting odds to take home the championship, that keeps viewers watching until the final scene. Tweet: Here are six powerful Christian football movies that combine compelling drama with an uplifting message.
1. Woodlawn
Following government-mandated desegregation in 1973, Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Ala. As violence and anger erupt in the city, Woodlawn football coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) allows an outsider (Sean Astin) to speak to his players. His message of hope and love leads to a spiritual awakening that inspires star athlete, Nathan, his teammates, and other members of the community to overcome the hate that surrounds them. "Woodlawn" is a great among Christian movies, and one you won't want to miss.
2. Season of a Lifetime
The inspiring story of head football coach, Jeremy Williams, who, terminally ill with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), refuses to retire, deciding instead to coach for one last season. Rick Cohen's cameras follow him as his resilient Greenville Patriots high school team battles a tough Region 4 schedule in their quest for the Georgia state championship.
A father figure to his underprivileged players, Coach Williams is also a loving husband to his high-school sweetheart, and a loving father to two kids, one of who, is also stricken with a debilitating disease. Family and faith are the driving inspirations that enable Coach Williams to strive toward the impossible, making it truly a 'Season of a Lifetime.'
3. Tim Tebow: On a Mission
An in-depth look at what makes Tim Tebow the popular and polarizing figure today, 'Tim Tebow: On A Mission' chronicles how his hard work and faith have guided him to collegiate success and NFL stardom. From being born on a mission, through his astonishing playoff run and trade to New York, the film explores his life through insightful interviews and rare footage few have ever seen.
4. Reggie's Prayer
Mr. Portola (The Giant), the neighborhood thug, has been recruiting kids into the fringes of street crime. When a high school football player gets tangled up in his underworld schemes, the boy is kidnapped. A wilderness chase pits Reggie against Portola, while the life of a 16-year-old boy hangs in the balance between good and evil. Reggie's strong Christian faith as well as his love for God's children is a powerful testament in this inspirational family film. Taking a lesson from Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep, Reggie shows all of us the salvation for even one child (or lost sheep) is more important that any material possession, including winning a Super Bowl ring.
Read Also: What Woodlawn Can Teach Us About Managing Our Talents
5. Three Miracles of Happiness
Gerry Faust has had an amazing career as one of America's most successful football coaches. A devoted husband and father, Coach Faust has become a popular inspirational speaker who weaves the dramatic story of his own life into lessons for every life, always placing faith in God in the center of the huddle. Topics covered include:
- Love of Football - With enthusiasm, candor, and humor, Coach Faust shares the ups and downs of his career in three miraculous jobs, and how he was able to handle the good and the bad because of three blessings that became three principles of life.
- Love of God - Coach Faust shares how he learned to make God the center of his life, recounts his miraculous trip to Lourdes and the important lesson he learned there about giving, temptations, and the power of prayer.
- Love of Family - Learn how Coach Faust demonstrates his love for his family and the special things he does (both seen and unseen) to express his love to his wife and children.
- Love of Self and Friends - Coach shares how he learned the meaning of friendship and discipline, including the hilarious story of Steiner and his favorite donkey and an important lesson about loyalty.
6. Find a Way
Inspired By A True Story. Finding faith can be difficult for many people on any given day. Imagine an ordinary Sunday morning. It's time to get ready for church and you go to wake your talented, loving, bright, beautiful son. Only, he won't wake up, ever again. What happens to faith then? What would happen to yours?
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Read Also: Top Christian Movies for Your Family
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