Plot

Sportswriter George Plimpton poses as a rookie quarterback for the Detroit Lions for a "Sports Illustrated" article.

George Plimpton wants to write a story for Sports Illustrated on what it is like to be a quarterback for an NFL team. No one is willing to allow a klutzy amateur to go on the field for fear he'll kill himself. After several teams turn him down, Plimpton got the Detroit Lions to let him go to training camp. He tries to keep his true identity a secret from the real players. This is based on a true incident and many of the players play themselves in the movie.—John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Harvard-educated, New York City residing journalist George Plimpton's on-field exploits in the world of American professional football are dramatized. With a contract to fulfill for Sports Illustrated magazine regarding first hand sports experiences of the layperson, Plimpton settles on trying out as a rookie for a professional football team as quarterback, despite: his body shape of being tall and lanky not generally thought of as being associated with football; similar forays in professional baseball in pitching to every all-star player and professional boxing in a planned three-rounds with Sugar Ray Robinson as past endeavors for his articles being less than successful in terms of the activities themselves; and the dangers of potential real physical serious injury. Nobody except those at the top would know that he is not a real football player in he wanting the experience to be as realistic as possible. With his girlfriend and assistant Kate putting out feelers, he is only able to convince those at the Detroit Lions, including head coach Joe Schmidt, to enter into the endeavor on his terms, which includes the Coach having the authority to cut him at any time he thinks he isn't holding his own. As the try-outs progress, Plimpton ends up changing his goal to not only making the team, but playing in a real game.—Huggo

Sports writer George Plimpton has made a name for himself by putting himself into the sports arena and then writing about his experience. He's entered the ring with a professional boxer and pitched in the All-Star game. Now, he would like to try his hand at being the quarterback of a professional football team. His chance arises with the Detroit Lions. While everyone involved agrees to keep his secret (his line is that he played semi-pro football in Canada) it soon becomes apparent to all of his team mates that he hasn't got a clue. Eventually he earns their respect and even gets to play a few downs in an exhibition game. Based on a true story.—garykmcd