The Senior (2023) Movie Script

1
Hi, I'm Mike Flint.
You're about
to see my story.
When I was young,
I was not a man of faith.
At the age of 59,
I was given a second chance
with my family
and with my faith.
Today, I hold love, God,
and football dearest.
And you're about to see a movie
about all three.
Enjoy the film.
God bless you.
[musical swirl]
[dramatic music swells]
[electric buzzing]
-["Get On Down" playing]
-Are you ready now?
To get on down
[man] Football.
Some say it's
the greatest game
in the history of mankind.
[cheering]
Here in Texas,
it's more than that.
More than glory.
More than bragging rights.
More than...
even life and death.
It's a shot at immortality.
And if they do it right,
the only thing left
on that field
is the blood, sweat,
and tears
of both them...
and their opponents.
[song continues, halts]
But this story isn't just
about football.
[announcer] Just under two
minutes left in the fourth.
The Sul Ross Lobos
need a big stop here.
[player yells]
[announcer] Oh, what a hit!
Mike Flynt comes up
with his...
Yeah!
...22nd tackle of the night.
[player] Cheap shot!
Knock it off!
Oh, not so tough now, huh?
Back off, 75! [grunting]
[announcer]
And here we go again!
Flynt is not one
to tangle with.
-[players arguing]
-That's gonna take us out.
I imagine Coach is not gonna
be happy to see this.
[man] This is my dad.
Mike Flynt.
75? He ain't gonna talk
to me like that.
[man] Middle linebacker
and team captain
of the Sul Ross Lobos.
Eileen.
[man] And this is my mom,
Eileen.
-Hey.
-[Eileen] Hey.
Did you, uh, enjoy
the game tonight?
You played great.
That last hit, uh...
it was for you.
[laughs] Okay, well,
don't go telling
that boy's mother.
-I don't need enemies.
-[chuckles]
[gentle music playing]
[Eileen winces]
Ouch.
You must really like
hittin' people, huh?
Only if they can hit back.
[man] And this is where
our story begins.
[car horn blaring]
[machinery rumbling]
[Mike] Okay, boys,
this looks fine.
Let's start on it
in the morning.
-[worker] Alright, Mike.
-[workers chatter]
-Nice work. Thank you.
-Yeah, Mike.
[car horn blaring]
Okay, Oscar, nice work.
See you in the morning.
[man 1]
Get out of the way, old man!
[car horn honking]
-[car engine struggling]
-[man 1] Hey, move!
-[engine struggling]
-Let's go, man, move it!
[car horn blaring]
-[engine sputtering]
-[car horn blaring]
[man 1] Some of us have
got to get to work!
[man 2] Doin' the best
I can here.
[man 1] Get out of the way
before I get out
and move you!
-Hey, Manny?
-[Manny] Yeah.
Having some car trouble?
Let me see your keys.
-There you go.
-Thanks, man.
-[horn blaring]
-[man 1] Hey!
-Hey, friend. I got an idea.
-[man 1] Yeah?
Why don't you take his keys
and start his car
and I'll sit in your truck
and beep your horn, huh?
This doesn't concern you.
-[horn blaring]
-Hey, man! He's a vet.
Why don't you show
some respect?
Why don't you get
out of my face
and have senile G.I. Joe
move that car right now?
[horn blaring]
Tell me something, sweetheart.
Your butt glued to that seat?
Or you just
too scared to get out?
-Why don't you say that again.
-Oh, it's not glued, huh?
You're not scared.
-[people clamoring]
-[grunting]
[groaning]
[country music plays on radio]
[man 1 groaning]
[mellow guitar music playing]
[truck approaches outside]
[tires crunching on gravel]
[front door opens]
[front door closes]
-[Mike] Hey, sunshine!
-Hey, Daddy.
Where are you off to?
Spin class.
Oh, Micah's in town.
He's droppin' by.
-For dinner?
-[scoffs]
Nah, he's just meeting
his friends here,
which is why I'm gonna
disappear
because anytime
his friends are in town,
he wants me to dress
like a nun.
Well, hey, my son is more
conservative than I am!
I don't think you need
to dress like a nun
till you're in college.
You don't have to worry about
that for two more months.
Oh, don't remind me.
That's great.
What is this?
Is this something new?
How do you do this?
Gently.
Which is not something
you would know anything...
-Mike, what's that?
-It's nothing.
What happened?
[sharp athletic grunts]
[Eileen] So, you think
you could make tenure?
[stammers] I'm just a lecturer,
so not-not right now,
but later.
That-That's the goal.
Can you stay for supper?
No, we can't.
Decker and the boys...
-Decker.
-Yeah.
They're gonna come pick me up.
Decker's playing at the, um...
the Brewhouse.
Oh.
Yeah, you should come.
Well, if you could convince
your daddy,
maybe we could come together.
-[Micah] Hey, Dad.
-[Mike grunting]
Hey, Dad?
Dad!
Hey.
Hey, Micah.
[panting]
You wanna take a turn?
Uh, no, I'm alright. [chuckles]
How's work?
Work's fine.
-Mom was saying--
-It's fine.
Frame's almost done.
[exhales]
How's that school of yours?
Them kids giving you
any trouble?
School's good.
Uh-huh.
Come on. Why don't
you take a turn?
You know, exercise
is good for you.
It builds character.
My character's fine.
[chuckles]
What are you afraid of?
Heavy bag's not gonna hurt you.
Here. You used to have
a good left.
Unless maybe spending
all that time at that school
has made you lose it.
[gentle music playing]
I said I don't want to.
Come on, son. Man up.
Take a few shots.
[music darkens]
Keep your hands up.
-[grunting]
-Pop!
I don't wanna see you cry.
Come on, Mike.
No tears. No tears!
Come on, be a man.
Don't flinch.
I want you to hit me.
Come on. Come on!
[grunting]
I want you to hit me, Mike!
You're a runt, Mike.
You're a runt
and you always will be.
But you can hit.
So I'm gonna explain
to you the rules.
First of all, if some fool
starts a fight with you
and you back down,
it's a whippin'
when you get home.
Second, most importantly,
if you fight and don't win,
you get a whuppin'.
Yes, sir.
[Mike's dad] Get inside.
Wash that blood off
before your mom sees.
[sighs]
[grunts]
[insects chirring]
[yelling playfully]
That's my nose!
I'll trade you this
for that little boy.
No, not yet.
Alright. Well, next week,
I'm gonna teach you how
to light a bottle rocket.
And I'll teach him
who to aim it at.
-Yeah, okay.
-Night-night.
Thanks, honey.
Thank you. Thank you. Mwah!
Sorry I missed Micah tonight.
When's he going back
to Knoxville?
I don't know. He didn't say.
No, he didn't say anything.
-'Cause you didn't let him.
-Stop that.
Alright, well, I guess
I'll get him down for bed.
Yeah, since you
riled him all up, so...
-Bye! Bye!
-Good night, guys.
-I love you!
-[Eileen] Nanny loves you.
[indistinct chatter]
[pensive music playing]
[Eileen] What you looking at?
It's just junk mail.
Hey.
Junk. Junk.
Junk.
Junk.
[crowd cheering on TV]
[Mike] Come on.
-[Eileen] Hey.
-Hey.
How's it going?
Just rewatching a classic.
It's a good game.
Oh, yeah?
You know, I found this
in the garbage can.
Well, don't go pinnin' me
like that.
I'm a West Texas girl.
I'll kick your tail.
[Mike chuckles]
Some of them are already gone.
Dave Cooper. Jesse Nunez.
Life's too short, Mike.
And I know how much
you love that team.
And I know how much
they loved you.
[insects chirring]
[young Mike] Hey, boys!
Hour past curfew. Get inside.
Gentlemen.
You know the rules.
Stay outside, you're washing
Charlie's car tomorrow.
I ain't washing
nobody's car, Flynt.
[Mike] What are you doing,
Walker?
[Walker] It ain't a big deal.
We're just having fun.
[Mike] It is a big deal.
I'm the captain.
[Walker] You're acting like
the sheriff.
You ain't nothin'
but a little punk.
[grunting]
Hey! Hey!
What's going on? Break it up!
Hey! Mike!
Get off! Break it up!
Get off me, Coach!
I'll kill this fool!
-Go to your dorm! Back off!
-You're done, Mike!
You're done!
You're done! [voice echoes]
Hey, Mike.
Coach, you, uh,
wanted to see me?
Son, you're not gonna be
captain of the team this year.
Why not?
In fact, you've been kicked
out of school.
Coach, come on. Please don't
kick me off the team.
You're not listening.
Not just the team, the school.
Sul Ross doesn't want
you here anymore.
How many fights since
you've been here, Michael?
Ten? Twenty? Thirty?
President Clark
called me last night.
He said he's heard the name
Mike Flynt for the last time.
Coach, this fight, it-it wasn't
a one-sided thing.
Kids fight. I get that. I do.
-But you're different, Mike.
-How so?
You're the common denominator.
The other coaches are in
your room packing your bags.
We're gonna drive you
out to the highway.
Your dad's gonna
meet us out there.
We've already called him.
[emotional music playing]
[players chattering]
I thought maybe you'd grown up.
Turns out,
you're still just a runt.
I'm exactly what
you made me, Daddy.
[emotional music continues]
[pensive, hopeful music
playing]
[music fades]
-[birdsong]
-[dog barks distantly]
[porch door creaks]
[Mike] Hey.
[scoffs]
The 1971 Lobos...
I mean, I wasn't even a part
of that team, remember?
And yet they
invited you anyway.
[chuckles]
I called Randy as soon
as I saw the invitation.
He's already made
a reservation for you.
I thought we agreed never to
tell each other what to do.
Hmm.
I don't remember making
that deal.
Thought I could slide
that through.
[chuckles]
You know...
if you had any guts at all,
you'd just
go down there and face
those guys.
You think I'm afraid?
I don't know, Mike.
Maybe going down there would be
a good way to start
figuring that out.
Mike.
Okay.
Okay, I'll go.
-You will? Oh, good!
-I will.
["Sunday Morning Underground"
by Faustus playing]
Alright
I put my head on my pillow
It felt good to lay down
Heard my old man
on the corner
As he cussed me
up and down...
[indistinct chatter]
[laughter]
Hey, 'keeper.
Can I get a brew?
[man] Mike!
Mike Flynt!
Mike Flynt, get over here, boy.
-There he is!
-Oh, boy, I'm in trouble now!
-Hey!
-Mike Flynt's here, guys.
-Hey!
-Look at you, Mike!
I swear, time done
passed you by.
Oh, enough about me, Charlie.
Have you seen Glen?
Sir, do you know
Glen McWhorter?
Yeah, he-he's in here
somewhere.
[laughter]
Says in this I was 170 pounds.
Oh, yeah, at birth.
[laughter]
You know, I remember
every fight you ever had.
Man, you was bad
to the bone, Mike.
Hey, isn't that Walker
over at the bar?
[men at bar chattering]
Yeah, that's him.
What kind of a captain gets
kicked off his own team?
Come on, it's ancient history.
Eileen says that I never learn.
I got in a fight
just the other day.
Your daddy would be proud.
He wasn't proud of the way
I treated this team.
There's not a day that goes by
that I don't think
about what I did to y'all.
Let it go, man.
Besides, none of us
even remember 1971.
All I remember is the years
that you actually did lead us.
Randy's right, Mike.
It was just football.
We've all moved on.
No such thing as
"just football."
Yeah, well, you boys are right.
And I thank y'all for
letting me off the hook.
It's just sometimes I wish
I could go back
and do it all over again,
that's all.
Do what, exactly?
My senior year.
I'd like to go back
and play, too,
but my body wouldn't.
Y'all might think I'm crazy,
but I feel like I could
still run with them.
Yeah, what's wrong with a
59-year-old college linebacker?
[laughter]
You know, technically,
I bet you're still eligible.
You think I am?
The college rules say that
as long as you got
that senior year,
you can play it.
You still look like
a football player.
I still feel like one.
[soft rock ballad
plays on speakers]
[server] One more and we're
gonna be closing up.
Hey, Walker.
Hey, Mike.
Ah.
I guess this is
the elephant in the room
speaking to the elephant
in the room, huh?
Yeah.
Look, Mike, there's been
something I've been
wanting to tell you
for a long time.
Go on.
You know, it's been
over 35 years, and I...
I shouldn't have taken so long
to tell you I'm sorry.
You're sorry?
I was a juvenile,
d-dumb as a rock.
I-I got you kicked off the
football team, out of school.
-I deserved a broken nose.
-What?
Yeah.
No.
I... I've been consumed.
There hasn't been a day
that's gone by
that I didn't think about that
night when I lost my mind.
You're sorry?
Yeah.
[both chuckle]
[Mike grunts]
Hey.
I overheard the guys
and you talking about
trying out for the team again?
Oh, yeah, that...
Yeah, that's bananas.
You know that, right?
Hey, Mike?
You go for it.
If anybody can do it, you can.
[Eileen] So you're glad
you went?
[Mike] Yeah.
-Thanks, Eileen.
-Good.
Yeah, you were right.
It was healing.
-I'm glad.
-Uh, listen...
I got so much on my mind now.
Would it be alright if
I stayed for a few more days,
maybe, uh, checked out
the old campus?
Uh, sure. Okay.
I feel like I need this.
Just come home with
a smile on your face.
Okay.
Thank you, darlin'.
Speak to you soon.
[phone beeps]
[dramatic, uplifting music
playing]
[dramatic music swells]
[music fades]
[man] Yeah?
[Mike] Uh, hello?
I'm Mike Flynt.
I called, made an appointment?
Yeah.
Yeah, you're, uh...
You're an alumnus, right?
Well, almost, uh...
I never finished
my senior year.
That right? Why not?
I got thrown out for fighting.
But I still have that year.
-What do you mean?
-I'm eligible.
Eligible for what?
To play.
I checked, and I still have
that year.
Coach, I'd like to try out
for your team.
Huh.
Yeah. Well, that's a relief.
You know, I thought you were
here for a coaching job,
and I'd have to find a way
to politely explain to you
that we have no openings
on the team.
But this way, we can just
have a good laugh, right?
[chuckles] Well...
I'm as funny as they come,
especially after
a couple of beers,
but, uh, this ain't no joke,
Coach.
[sighs]
When'd you play here?
'68, '69, '70.
[door opens]
[man] A few of the boys
are here,
a couple of J.C.
transfers, too.
They're about to run themselves
through some drills.
You want to come down,
see what we got?
Yeah, yeah. Sure do.
Well, Mike.
Really nice meeting you.
Uh, may I join you, Coach?
-Okey-doke.
-["OU Says Go!" playing]
[whistle tweets]
This feel like some
next-level funk
Some bass out the trunk
that make the place jump
This feel like
a whole lotta hype
You know that I might,
now go catch a flight
Ready,
ready for some action
Ready for some action...
[whistle blows]
Alright, I'm Sam Weston,
head coach,
for those of you
who don't know me.
What do you say we play
a little touch football, huh?
So I can see how y'all run.
-[players chattering]
-Let's do it.
What do we have here?
Uh...
Thirteen.
Uh, 14.
[players chuckle]
Alright, you seven over here,
you seven over here.
Good to see you
playing with us, Coach.
Should be good for team morale.
Ain't your coach.
Gonna be your teammate.
Oh. Okay, cool.
Some nice cleats.
Ain't that what Fred Flintstone
tried out in?
[chuckles] Let's get it!
[player] Alright, boys.
Cover one, cover one.
-Ready?
-[all] Break!
Set. Go.
[whistle blows]
[player] Go, go, go, go!
-[grunts]
-[players cheer]
I see you! [grunts]
-Ready?
-[all] Break!
Strong right, strong right!
[player] Tight, you got tight.
Ready? Set, go.
[grunting]
-Yo, man!
-[Mike laughs]
That's it!
Whoo!
Let's go!
Fred Flintstone
taught me that, son.
Alright then, old man.
Do it again.
Alright, here we go. Huddle up.
-[whistle blows]
-Hey, great job today, Pops.
Thanks.
[music fades]
Hey, Coach.
So, what'd you think?
[sighs] Hmm.
Just to be clear,
there's no hidden camera
somewhere?
You're for real?
Yes, sir. That I am.
Hmm.
Well, you can run with 'em.
I'll give you that much.
I got a million things racing
through my mind right now.
But...
I might let you try out.
[sighs in relief]
Thank you, Coach.
I-I don't know what to say.
Don't be thanking me yet.
Just be here August 12th,
ready to roll.
Yes, sir.
[panting]
Whoo!
It's a second chance, Eileen.
How many of those do we get?
Well, I thought you were
just gonna go
look around
for old times' sake.
I have to make up
for what I did.
[sighs] What about your job?
[Mike] Building's almost done.
Brett says that
I'll have something
no matter what
when I get back home.
You talked to Brett
before talking to me?
This coach is probably
gonna cut me.
But I just want to go down
there and give it a shot.
I mean, it's something
I have to do.
-[Eileen sighs]
-I'm doing it.
You are going to finish
those 12 credit hours
for your degree,
no matter whether you make
that team or not.
Babe, for you,
I will graduate
magna cum anything.
[scoffs]
[car horn honking]
[Micah] Hey, old man.
Hey.
[exhales]
What are you doing here?
I got some research at school.
Thought I'd swing by.
-How's the job?
-It's good.
It's good. It's busy.
They always lay committees
on the new guy.
Well, you know, you gotta
keep looking, Micah.
For... For what?
For another job,
one that gives tenure.
Yeah, I'm teaching a full load.
It's not easy to get
a job these days.
No, no, no.
We don't settle.
You gotta keep grinding it out.
Is that what you're doing
with the football thing,
grinding it out?
Oh, your mother.
She can't keep a secret.
I thought we didn't keep
secrets in this family.
I just wanted to tell you
directly
from-from just-- from me to you
so that it didn't sound as...
Insane?
[sighs]
Dad, have you thought
this through?
-What's to think through?
-I don't know...
Broken skull, broken femurs,
concussions?
That's why I'm out here,
hoss man,
so I can, you know,
work on the engine,
make sure everything's
runnin' right.
[soft music playing]
You know, Dad, this...
This happened so long ago.
Don't you think it's time
to let it go?
I mean, why does this one
have to be a win?
It's not about winning.
It's about finishing
what you start.
Come on, you and I both know
that's not true.
It's always about winning
with you.
You taught me that
since I could walk.
Well, what, maybe I should have
taught you how to lose?
Okay, look, you're not
hearing me, Dad.
I'm hearing you just fine.
Thank you.
Hope to see you back
at the house.
There we go. [grunts]
That's all of it.
Well, then, let's get you
off to college.
At least this time
I got a hot roommate.
Oh, my...
[chuckles]
-[truck engine revs]
-West Texas, here we come.
[bright dramatic music playing]
[player] Yo, check it.
All my shorties
coming running
Can you blame 'em?
When you looking
like Jamal
All you got to do
is name 'em
Aaliyah, Shanice, Imani,
and Taylor
They're looking
for the face
They're plotting
on the chase
She saw your face
then pulled out her mace
Ay!
[Jamal] Don't be hating
the player
'cause you can't hang with me.
Same team bus,
but you ain't in
the same lane with me.
[players chattering, laughing]
Forget all y'all, man.
Forget all y'all.
Yo, yo, yo! [chuckles]
Yo!
Yo, what you listening to, man?
Music?
Man, what kind of music
gon' make
somebody dance like that?
-[derisive laughter]
-Good, man!
Look at you, old geezer.
See what that man playing with.
It's just...
It's just rock and soul.
Y'all know "Rubberband Man"?
Uh... It's what
we used to listen to.
["The Rubberband Man" playing]
Hey, y'all,
prepare yourself
For the Rubberband Man...
It's like-- It's that
Rubberband Man, man!
-[players chattering]
-I like this!
[player] My daddy
used to love this!
I like that, right here!
I can do this.
We can bump some of this
old-man music.
I remember this.
"Rubberband Man."
It's like a--
like a broke-down Batman!
[laughter]
[man] Gentlemen!
Hey, you newbies!
Quiet down! Gentlemen!
[players quieten]
I'm Doc Prude, team trainer.
Line up. Get your gear.
I need to see everyone
in the training room after.
[players chattering]
We just messing with you,
old man. Good to see you.
Coaching, right?
No, I'm gonna play.
Football?
Man, that man crazy.
[sighs]
Hey, sir, I'm Fernie Acosta.
-It's cool to have you aboard.
-Hey, thanks, Fernie.
Call me Mike.
We're teammates now, got it?
Yes, sir.
["The Rubberband Man" playing]
[whistle tweets]
[grunting]
[whistle blows]
[grunting]
[breathing heavily]
[Mike grunts]
Get your head across!
You wanna be here?
You wanna be here?
Then move your feet!
Yes, Coach.
[whistle tweets]
[whistle tweets]
Get your hands underneath.
Yes, sir.
[coach] Eyes up, eyes up,
eyes up, eyes up!
Eyes up, eyes up, eyes up!
Two in, one out, Flynt.
[Weston]
Today, there are 80 of you.
In a week,
there's gonna be 54.
Every one of you
is gonna have to
earn a spot on this team.
Alright.
See you tomorrow, 8:00 a.m.
Full gear.
[dramatic music playing]
Come on, Mike.
[grunting]
[music intensifies]
Come on.
[grunts]
[player] Alright,
move up, move up.
[whistle tweets]
[Mike] Nice move, Jamal!
[grunts]
Keep your head on a swivel,
old man.
Hey, man, get off of him!
-You good? You okay?
-[Mike groans]
-Doc!
-Nice hit!
Whoever that was.
[player] That old man
got stones.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[Mike panting]
How bad was that?
It's just a stinger, Doc.
It's fine, it's fine.
-I'm good.
-Take it easy.
[players chattering]
Hey, you ever done 'roids?
[scoffs]
There's a nice question.
No.
Were you a hippie?
What?
Bet you went organic, huh?
A little creatine, deer antler,
little horny goat weed?
Horny goat?
No, man. I never went organic.
Then how are you doing this
at your age, man?
At the moment, I got no idea.
At least you're an old-timer
that don't know all
the answers.
Hey, uh, what's your name?
-Jeremy.
-Jeremy what?
Jeremy Cartwright.
Mike Flynt.
Flynt. Like the stone.
I like that.
Strike a flint,
you get a spark, right?
-Something like that.
-[chuckles]
Hey, what are you
studying here?
Me?
[laughs] Yeah, you.
I'm getting my degree
in education.
I want to teach third grade.
Teach third grade?
Uh, not second, not fourth?
Third?
Third.
I like that.
Noble.
We need more nobility
in football.
Yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
Where's the...
Ah...
Ah, there it is.
Hi, sir. I was wondering
if I could discuss my schedule.
Oh, I'm not a--
Uh, I'm a student.
OMG. You're that grandpa
who's on the football team,
aren't you?
Well, I haven't made
the football team yet.
-Are you Greek?
-Irish?
I mean, like,
are you in a frat?
-Excuse me.
-I'm Professor Gail Davis.
And I hope you know
you're in Biochemistry 101.
So let's get into it.
Hey, Mike.
It's one thing to take
our positions on the field,
but don't go taking
our girls now.
[Davis] ...carbohydrates,
the Acetyl-CoA.
Now, brownie points for anybody
who can tell me
what the CoA stands for.
Any smarties?
[Weston] Get loose. Get loose.
Going to individuals
right after this,
so get your minds right.
Ah, come on, old-timer.
Weak little stretch right now.
-Weak little stretch.
-Easy now. Easy now.
I'm old. [groans]
What's up, man? You ready
for me, Father Time?
-[laughs]
-I'll tell you what.
You're out of time, son.
[laughs] We'll see.
-[whistle blows]
-[both grunting]
[growls] Got ya.
[grunting]
How about that?
How about what?
-How about that.
-[Mike grunting]
[grunting continues]
He's like a 59-year-old Rudy.
[yells]
[grunting]
-That's it. Last one.
-That's it.
Wait, o-one more.
[grunts]
-[yells]
-Come on, Mike.
Making us look bad.
It ain't a contest.
-Nice effort, Flynt.
-[exhales]
Contest? Yeah. Contest.
We're gonna do a contest.
-Contest! Alright?
-[men clamor]
Alright,
now I want three benches
lined up right here.
Three of you are gonna lift
these 45-pound plates
-'til the last man quits.
-Yeah.
-Alright?
-Done and done.
-Flynt?
-[inhales deeply]
Of course.
-What? What'd you say?
-[loud exhale]
Haven't used it all up, Coach.
Let's go!
-Alright, let's go.
-[men cheer]
Hey, I'm rootin' for you, Mike.
Somebody better.
Alright, now, get set...
and on Coach Clay's whistle...
-[whistle blows]
-[men shouting, cheering]
Yeah! Come on,
come on, come on!
[huffing]
Come on! Come on!
[cheering continues]
Come on, Mike! You got 'em!
Come on, come on, come on!
Keep going! Keep going, Mike!
Don't you stop! Mike, come on!
You got it! You got it!
Let's go. You got this.
Let's go!
You got it! You got it!
He stopped. Mike, come on!
-Only got one left.
-Let's go!
-Let's go, Mike! Let's go!
-Mike!
[men chanting "Mike!"]
Mr. Flynt! Mr. Flynt!
[men chanting "Mike!"]
[grunting]
-[men chanting "Mike!"]
-[music builds]
[grunting]
[loud exhale]
[cheering]
From now on,
this exercise
will be known as the...
-Mike Flynt!
-[loud cheering]
[men chanting "Mike!"]
No, no, no, no, Mike.
You-you good, man.
You made the team 40 years ago!
-[crosstalk]
-Forty years ago?
Whoa, hey. So I found
the 1970 yearbook
in the library,
and you know what it said?
Said Mr. Flynt made 24 tackles
in one game.
How many times
do I have to tell ya,
don't call me Mr. Flynt.
-Uh--
-Call me Mike.
Wait. Hang on. Are you serious?
It's true. And I thought
I was balling with 12 tackles.
Yeah, you could make
24 tackles.
Pfft. In my dreams, maybe.
Well, it starts with dreaming.
Like every week
I would daydream
about the next game
and play this movie
over and over again in my head.
I'd like, just sack
the quarterback
and stuff him for a loss.
You know?
-Yeah.
-Time we got to the real game,
I'd already won a dozen games
in my mind's eye. You get me?
That's like Phil Jackson's
Sacred Hoops.
-That's right, exactly.
-Bruce Lee.
-Ooh, Enter the Linebacker.
-Exactly.
Zen and the Art of Ass-kicking,
starring my man, Mike Flynt.
You know what I'm saying?
-Killing me, man.
-[laughter]
You know what?
Maybe I can make 24.
-Hey.
-[Mike] Hey.
Since you're daydreaming,
you might as well make it 25.
[sentimental music playing]
-[music fades]
-[breathing heavily]
Hey, son. Hey, listen.
This is the bad part of my job
and I hate doing it,
but I'm gonna have to wind up
cutting you.
Okay? It's not gonna work out
this year.
Go back, work
on the fundamentals.
I'll see you next year, okay?
See you next year.
Alright? We're gonna gather up.
Alright?
-[whistle blows]
-Gather up!
[player] Alright?
Come on, come on.
Circle up. Circle up. Okay?
Alright then. Coach Clay,
how many we got left?
[Clay] Fifty-four, Coach.
That's it, boys. You made it.
This is your team.
-Yeah!
-Congratulations.
-Alright.
-Yeah.
Does this mean I made it?
Yeah, it means you made it,
Mike.
-You did it, Mike.
-Yeah. You got this, man!
-Congratulations!
-Hey, Coach.
Does this mean I made the team?
See, this is why you never
graduated in the first place.
You don't listen.
Oh, thank you, Coach!
I promise you,
I will not let you down.
-Okay. Alright.
-[hopeful music playing]
Hey, look at that, huh?
Ahora t eres mi carnal,
Mr. Flynt!
Well, thank you very much,
I think.
You got heart, Flynt.
-Thanks, Captain.
-You bet.
I appreciate you.
-Hey!
-Hey, Jeremy, man.
-Hey, man.
-Ah!
-[men chattering happily]
-[music swells]
I'm sorry, man.
-Congratulations.
-Thanks.
You're a great story.
[soft dramatic music playing]
Ta-da! [chuckles]
[laughs]
Well, congratulations.
-Oh, you made it!
-[both laughing]
What's going on?
Well, allow me the privilege
of worrying about a husband
who's gonna fight semi-trucks
-every Saturday.
-Come on.
Can I just have
this one moment?
Just this one moment.
Like I said, congratulations.
Well, DeLanie and Lily called.
Uh, our grandson asked
if I could knock
someone's head off.
Uh-huh. What about Micah?
Ah, Micah, I don't get.
Well, he's worried about you.
So he expresses that
by not communicating?
-I don't buy that.
-Maybe he thinks silence
is the only way
to reach you now.
Hey.
It's good. Good. [exhales]
Football is a contact sport.
No, ma'am.
Football is a collision sport.
-That makes me feel better.
-Dance. Dance...
-is a contact sport.
-Ah.
What do you think you're doing?
I'm just making my move, woman.
[chuckles]
-I swear, you're so beautiful.
-[news intro playing]
We've all heard stories about
retirees going back to school
and getting their diplomas,
but have you ever heard
of a 59-year-old guy
going back to college
and signing up
for the football team?
[reporter 2]
For Mike Flynt, number 49,
age is just a number.
...a Texas grandfather
who's tearing up
the competition,
and it's no pickup game.
It's in NCAA football.
Mike Flynt asked himself
that question
for 36 years,
and now he has finally decided
-to do something about it.
-Go, Mike.
For 59-year-old grandfather
Mike Flynt,
it's a dream that never died.
-He's 59?
-59?
Jeez, man.
He's older than my dad.
One more rep.
The only way we get beat
out on that field
is if you beat yourself
in here.
You get out what you put in.
One more rep.
Don't quit.
That's what I'm talking about,
Flynt.
Come on, Fern-man,
you got this!
-[whistle blows]
-Let's go!
-[grunting]
-[cheering]
Next two, next two. Let's go!
Hey, Fernie.
You're as strong
as a bull, man,
but you're hitting too high.
Eyes through the thighs,
wrap and squeeze,
drive for five.
You can tackle a T-Rex
like that, man.
Technique. Technique
instead of strength.
Technique and strength. Got it?
Let me see if I can take
my own advice.
Thanks, Mr. Flynt.
-Mike!
-Let's go. Mike, let's go!
Let's go. Let's go. Alright!
-Get in there!
-Here we go. Here we go.
-Here we go. Here we go.
-[shouting continues]
[whistle blows]
-[loud thud]
-[cheering]
Yeah, baby!
That's what I'm talking about!
That's what I'm talking about.
Let's go. Next two. Next two.
-[grunting]
-[clamoring]
Nice hit! That's how to do it.
-Let's go. Next group!
-Whoo!
Ah, that's me. That's me.
That's me. Let's go.
[clamoring]
[tense music playing]
-He's mine.
-Take him out, Stanton!
-Oh, it's on now!
-[breathing heavily]
Come on!
-Go!
-[whistle blows]
-[loud thud]
-[grunting]
-[whooping, cheering]
-[groaning]
That's what I'm talkin' about!
Don't bring it up in here,
old man!
-Let's go, guys! Go!
-[whistle blowing]
Alright, listen up.
O-line's gonna see
a lot of pressure on Saturday
so we're going blitz pickup.
Let's get on the line.
Watch 33. Punch the gap on two.
[chuckles] Gramps is mine.
-Ready! Blue 32!
-Coming for you, old man.
-Set, go!
-[grunting]
-[yells, grunts]
-[whistle blows]
-[grunts]
-Sorry about that, Cap.
-You're good.
-Alright, nice.
-Good job, Flynt.
-Next time, Stanton.
-You better shut up right now.
-Hey, focus. Listen to me.
You're gonna get Kyle killed
playing like that.
Keep your head on a swivel.
Get in there.
Field, rip, smack.
Field, rip, smack. Ready?
Break!
-Ready.
-[hands clap]
Flynt. Switch side with Jones.
-Go to the Will. Let's go.
-Yes, Coach.
-Go, Flynt.
-[grunts]
[tense music builds]
Ready?
Red 88. Red 88.
Set, go!
[grunting]
-[loud thud]
-[grunting]
-[whistle blows]
-Whoo! Nice hit, Flynt!
-[groans]
-That was next time, huh?!
-[groans]
-Yo, Money Mike.
-You alright, Mike?
-Flynt, you okay?
-Mike, come on, man.
-Is he okay?
There you go, Mike. Come on.
-Come on, man up.
-[groaning]
-Flynt?
-Yeah, I'm fine, Coach.
Don't look like it. Go see Doc.
That was a cheap shot, Stanton.
-You bush league punk--
-Now, Mike. Go!
[Stanton] You're not
so tough now.
[sighs, groans]
[Coach] And you hit
the showers!
-[breathing heavily]
-Out of my face!
[whistle blows]
No, no.
[sighs deeply]
[sighs]
[machine whirring]
Ah, I got one question.
Uh...
how am I gonna hold my...
my wife's hand if I'm in there?
-Here we go.
-You'll be alright.
-Love you.
-[whirring]
[clicking, whirring]
[Dr. Mehta] You've got
severely bulging discs.
The C6 and C7.
Rupture those,
and you might suffer
permanent spinal cord injury.
I'm not clearing you to play
until you've got full strength
and range of motion
in your neck,
shoulder, arms, and chest.
[Micah] Dad, this is exactly
what I was talking about.
Come on, Micah.
Stop being such a worrywart.
I'm-I'm following
the doctor's orders--
Really? Since when do you
follow anyone's orders?
Dad, it's-it's time
to let it go.
Just stop it already, please.
-I can't.
-So what?
Me, Lily, Lanie, Mom,
we just-- we don't matter?
I hope you enjoy
playing your game, Dad.
[line disconnects]
[sighs]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, nice sweatpants, Flynt.
Hides your diaper nicely.
Oh, I am so sick of this dude.
Hey, what's your problem
with me, Stanton?
You better get outta my face,
old man.
-You get outta my face.
-How's that busted shoulder?
-[all shouting]
-Break it up!
-[yells]
-[shouting]
Hey! That's enough!
Get off of me! He's wasting
everybody's time, Coach!
You hit the showers.
-Come on.
-Hey!
[overlapping shouting]
What are you doing, Mike?
Every man has their limits,
Coach.
And you shouldn't be
anywhere near yours.
Yeah, I told you.
They're still here.
-Yeah.
-[engine stops]
[chuckles softly]
You remember?
I do.
-The first game, boys.
-Hey! What's up, Mike?
[Mike] I came
to wish you boys luck.
-Oh, yeah!
-[grunting]
I know you don't need any luck.
I know. I know.
Get on the bus. Get on the bus.
Come on. Even you guys.
Yeah. Come on.
Hey, Coach.
-Hey, Mike.
-Hey, uh...
Decent of you to come by.
Thanks. Can I have a word?
-Sure.
-Hey, listen. Uh, uh...
I was wondering if I could go
on the bus for a few minutes
and say a few words
to the boys.
Why?
Why? Uh, well,
'cause I, you know,
I've been around a lot
of football in my day and...
you know, I feel like if I say
a few words to the boys,
I could-- I could get 'em--
Yeah. Let's not confuse
the boys, Mike, huh?
But I do appreciate
you coming by, Mike.
See you on Monday.
First game, let's go!
Time to...
[announcer]
A packed crowd here
at East Texas Stadium
for the season opener.
And with much
of the preseason hype
centered around
the 59-year-old linebacker
Mike Flynt,
today, the Sul Ross Lobos
will have to go without Flynt,
forced to stay home
with a neck injury.
-[groans]
-Let's get ready to rumble.
Lobo football!
Oh...
Let me help you.
-I have it, honey. Here...
-Alright.
[dramatic music playing]
Alright. Would you get it?
[sighs deeply]
[breathing heavily]
[announcer] And you gotta
wonder if Coach Sam Weston
is feeling the pressure,
as the Lobos lose
another heartbreaker,
23 to 21.
Honey, can I help you?
Yeah, yeah.
Just lift it a little bit.
-Just a little.
-From underneath?
-Yeah. Yeah.
-Okay. Just like that?
-Yeah.
-That's good.
-Keep going.
-Yeah? That's it.
Look at that.
[groans in pain] No! No!
-No!
-[sighs]
-Ah!
-[huffs]
Oh!
Doctor says it's real simple.
If I can't lift a football
over my head,
I can't play.
Yeah. So...
-what if you can't play?
-Well, then all this...
All this is for nothing.
Nothing matters if I can't be
out there with my team.
Honey, you don't have
to do this, you know?
You don't have to prove
anything, to me.
[Eileen sighs]
-We're your team too. Remember?
-Of course, I know that.
And besides, you're supposed
to be thinking about retiring.
I don't think you wanna do that
paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
I'm not gonna get paralyzed.
Mike, you're a linebacker.
You can't promise me that.
Honey.
-It's just a game.
-It's more than that!
[dramatic music playing]
It's a whole lot more
than that.
[dramatic music playing]
[groans]
-[Doc] Pull. There you go.
-[groans] Gah.
[Doc] Slow and steady.
-Yes, sir.
-Alright.
[shouting, cheering]
[crowd groans]
[indistinct chatter]
-[car door opens, closes]
-[indistinct chatter, laughter]
-You alright with this?
-Yeah, I got it.
Look, I think I can drive
myself tomorrow, man.
Are you sure? You know
doctor with the arm, man.
Nah, thanks. See you tomorrow.
-Sure?
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
-[Jeremy laughs]
-Hey, Micah!
-Hey, Dad.
-[Eileen] How you feelin'?
Uh, better.
-[car engine starts]
-Yeah?
-Glad you're here.
-Yeah.
Uh, hey, you know what?
I could use your help.
Okay. Hey, let me get that.
-Yeah. I got it. Yeah.
-Thanks.
[Micah] Alright. Look,
the cycle harnesses
the available chemical energy
of acetyl coenzyme A
into the reducing power
of nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide.
In the end, it's that simple.
-[laughs]
-Basically, it's metabolism.
-Amazing.
-It's exciting stuff.
-Yeah, I know.
-[laughs]
No, it's amazing
that you're my son.
Where you get the talent
for this is not from me.
[chuckles]
Alright. Uh...
Let's take a break. Yeah?
Uh-oh... [clears throat]
Let me guess,
the girls have pulled out
the heavy artillery.
Look, Micah, I'm...
I'm being careful.
I'm going slow.
You shouldn't be going at all
after a neck injury.
Come on, at your age?
Seriously. What, what happens,
God forbid you go out there
and you end up in a wheelchair?
Son, you gotta trust me.
What, like, you're on
some kind of quest?
Like you're some kind of hero?
Look, I-I...
I-I just,
I feel like I could...
make an impact with these boys,
these-these kids,
that I could ne--
[soft, solemn music playing]
Yeah.
Okay.
I get it.
Look...
you've always been really good
at giving advice,
not so good at getting it,
and I think that is a virtue
you need to pick up on
real fast.
[sighs]
-[dog barking distantly]
-[birds chirping]
[sighs]
Keep your hands up. Pop!
I don't wanna see you cry.
Don't flinch.
[sentimental music playing]
[woman] Hey, honey.
Hey, Mom.
Hey, lookie there.
[chuckles]
Oh.
He loved that scrapbook.
I... I had no idea he had...
-I found this.
-Mmm.
That was his.
Dad had a Bible?
-Mm-hmm. He did.
-[scoffs]
Finally got to him, huh?
Found a lot to help him
in here.
[pages rustle]
It was tough watching you two,
those last few years.
He wanted to talk to you,
you know, wanted it...
more than practically anything.
Yeah, well...
he sure had a funny way
of showing it.
I don't want for Eileen
to be standing
where I am one day,
hearing all that silence
and regret
when there should be love.
I'll see you inside.
[Mike's dad] Let me see that
left hook. Come on, Mike!
-[loud thudding]
-[grunting]
-[grunts]
-[yells, grunts]
-[yelling]
-You're a runt, Mike.
-A little runt.
-[grunts]
[Mike] Come on, son. Man up.
-Take a few shots.
-I want you to hit me, Mike.
[grunting]
[Mike's dad] Let me see that
left hook. Come on, Mike!
Turns out,
you're still just a runt.
You wanna play football
like your daddy, right?
-Yes, Dad.
-Come on, Micah!
You can do better than that.
-I can't.
-Don't quit on me!
-Come on.
-Hit me.
-Hit me. Tougher.
-I can't.
Come on, you got it.
Hit me harder.
Keep going. Come on.
Get mean, Micah.
Don't quit on me.
[Micah] Something happened
to my dad on that day.
[line rings]
Hey there.
This is Micah Flynt.
I'm not around.
Please leave a word.
-[beeps]
-[Mike] Hey, hoss man.
Uh, it's Dad, uh...
I was just thinking about you
and I wanted to say hi.
Hope to hear from you.
[Micah] Maybe it was seeing
his father's prayer
for forgiveness.
-Or maybe...
-[grunts]
...it was realizing
that he had become his father.
[coach] Whip right, X42, drive.
-Got it? Alright, go.
-Got it.
[Micah] Either way...
-Let's go!
-...at 59 years old,
it's not every day
that you get
a second chance at life.
-[Mike] That's it, Jeremy!
-[both yell]
-[indistinct shouting]
-Whoo-hoo!
Gotta let the kids score
every now and then
'cause it's good
for their self-esteem.
-Man, shut up.
-That's real generous. Right?
-You know what you doing.
-[laughter]
[Micah] And Mike Flynt,
well, he wasn't about
to waste it.
-[hopeful music playing]
-[panting]
-Dig, dig, dig, dig.
-Look at that, huh?
-Yup.
-I'm gettin' it.
They ain't ready
for this comeback.
[Mike grunting]
[music swells]
Yeah! [grunting]
[huffing]
[sighs] Yeah.
Yeah!
Yeah!
[tense music playing]
[players]
One, two, three, four!
[grunts]
You remember what
the doctor said. No contact.
We're gonna put you through
a few drills to evaluate you.
-Yes, sir.
-Go get 'em, hoss.
-Hey! What's up, old-timer?
-Hey.
[chuckles]
Hey, look, Mike's back!
[all cheer]
You the man, Mike!
Set. Go.
-[whistle tweets]
-[grunts]
Ball. Nice.
Dig, Mike. Dig, dig, dig.
Come on, come on, come on!
Yeah!
[grunting]
-Heavy hands.
-[grunts]
-Yeah.
-[grunts]
[hopeful music continues]
You okay?
Sure. [chuckles]
I can't tell which is better,
the pain or the numbness.
You know, uh, nobody here
will think any less of you
if you take it a bit easy.
Don't you start with me,
Jeremy.
Hey, I'm just giving you
some love.
Aw, you poor baby.
Washed-up has-been.
[Jeremy] Hey!
Disrespect Mike again,
I'll rip your arm off
and I'll beat your ass with it.
-Is that right?
-Yeah.
-Yeah?
-That's right.
[Weston] That's it for the day.
Hit the showers!
-Be seeing you.
-It's alright, Mike.
Flynt.
Yes, Coach?
What-what is this beef between
you and Stanton, anyway?
It's nothing, Coach.
It's for us to resolve.
Okay. Well, how you feelin'?
-I'm great.
-Yeah. Hey.
I'm giving you
the green light, Flynt.
Not to play,
but to travel with us
in full uniform.
Thank you, Coach.
Yeah. Alright.
Alright. Get outta here.
-[thunder rumbles]
-[whistle blows]
I thought about what
you asked me the other day,
and you know, I think...
the greatest
football movie ever?
It's The Longest Yard.
-Good one. Great one.
-Yeah.
But you gotta check out
North Dallas Forty.
-North Dallas Forty?
-Yeah.
I'll give it a try, bro.
I don't know, man.
The Longest Yard... [chuckles]
-...that cracks me up, man.
-Yeah.
Adam Sandler, man. He the man.
Adam Sandler?
He wasn't even born
when that movie was made.
Burt Reynolds starred
in that movie.
-He's the man.
-We need a trainer!
-Doc! Get over here!
-It's Jamal!
-Jamal!
-Trainer!
-Jamal!
-[panicked crying]
-Hey, hey, hey. Listen.
-Everybody, real slow.
-You good?
-Real slow.
-Answer Doc's question.
-[crying]
[thunder crashing]
[Jeremy speaks indistinctly]
Ain't that crazy?
But with you out the game,
-guess who's gotta be the hero.
-[Mike laughs]
-Hey, Mike.
-Hey. Hey, champ.
Let's see if you can make
this man smile.
[Mike] Uh-oh.
What's up?
I'm sorry y'all came
all the way out here.
Aw.
Mike, you know
what they told me, man?
They said I might never play
football again.
[somber music playing]
I'm the first in my family
to go to college.
I'm supposed to go pro.
[exhales]
Well, you better go pro
'cause you ain't making it
as a rapper.
Yeah, I'll be taking over
that too.
[laughter]
Hey, Jamal.
Listen, going pro is
a long shot for anyone,
but no one knows
whether you're gonna get out
on that field again but you.
You work hard,
you'll get out there again.
But how do you know that?
Ever met a linebacker my age?
I'm back on the field.
And when you get out of here,
I expect you to be out there
rooting for me, right?
That first tackle,
it's gonna be for you.
I pity the fool
that go against you, Mike.
-[intense music playing]
-[players yelling]
[announcer]
And here come the Lobos,
and with them is 59-year-old
linebacker Mike Flynt,
who has yet to make
an appearance this year,
but is dressed
and finally cleared to play,
which is likely why
this sold-out crowd
is on their feet,
hoping that today
will be the day.
Let's go, boys!
Hey, Kyle. You got this, man.
[announcer] Braddick.
Shotgun snap. Drops back.
-[grunts]
-Hey!
-Oof.
-Incomplete.
That's pass interference.
It's way early.
What the-- [yells]
Hey! Jeremy.
[announcer] Jeremy Cartwright
is not happy.
-That's enough.
-No flag on the play.
He's looking
for an interference call.
Hey. Come on, Jeremy.
-Mike! Mike!
-Come on now. I know.
What is wrong with these guys?
[announcer] ...looking for
anything on offense.
Braddick under center.
He drops back.
Gets flushed to his left,
sets his feet.
Yeah, that's it! Good--
Oh! Ref, come on!
Throw the flag!
-That looked late to me.
-Come on, Ref!
-You didn't see that?
-Refs, open your eyes!
Stevie Wonder
could've seen that!
[announcer] The Lobos sideline
not happy.
-No flag on the play.
-The play was dead!
Hut! Go!
Go, Jeremy. Go, Jeremy.
[announcer] He hurdles
a player.
Makes room to the side. Oh!
-Oh my!
-[groans]
That has got be
a personal foul.
What is going on?
You're not calling that?
Are you kidding me right now?
Come on now! He's three yards
out of bounds--
[announcer] Mike Flynt
has gone on the field
-arguing for his teammate.
-[crowd chanting] We want Mike!
We want Mike!
We want Mike!
We want Mike!
[announcer] We're starting
to hear from the stands...
-We want Mike!
-...calling for Mike Flynt
to get into the game.
[crowd] We want Mike!
We want Mike!
[Weston] That was embarrassing!
I'll see y'all tomorrow,
Sunday, 6:00 a.m. for doubles.
And bring your running shoes
'cause they are getting
a workout.
Hey, Coach.
Mrs. Flynt.
The name's Eileen.
Eileen.
Tough game.
Yeah.
You should've played him today.
You know what?
When I go in
to have my patience tested,
the results
are always negative.
That's funny.
Yeah. I'll be here all week.
Have a good night, Mrs. Flynt.
-[car door slams]
-[engine starts]
What was that all about?
I'm fine, thank you.
How are you?
Just get in the car, Eileen.
Pardon me?
I said get in the car.
Let's go.
Oh, no.
You can talk to the refs
that way. Not me.
Come on, Eileen.
I'm just not in the mood.
Oh, really?
Well, I'm not getting
in the car with you
when you're like that.
Fine, then you drive
yourself home.
[dramatic music playing]
Really?
[engine starts]
You're just gonna go?
-[annoyed grunt]
-[tires screech]
Eileen!
[sighs]
Mike...
Stupid hothead.
-Hey.
-Hey.
Hey.
They should have played you
tonight, Mike.
Yeah.
[dramatic music playing]
Thanks for the ride, Jeremy.
I was proud of you today.
-Thanks. Have a good night.
-Yeah.
[door handle jangles]
Eileen?
[sighs]
[vehicle approaching]
[Mike exhales]
[keys unlocking door]
[door creaks open]
[Eileen scoffs]
Yeah, they finally came.
For the game.
Wanted to surprise you.
I'm sorry I yelled at you.
Thank you.
Honestly, Eileen--
You never once asked me
if this lunatic mission
you're on was okay with me.
-Of course, I did.
-No, that is a load of bull!
You made a decision.
You're good at that.
You made a decision
and we all have to follow you
no matter
what the ramifications.
-And they can be pretty severe.
-[sighs]
-I'm sorry, babe.
-No, listen.
Listen to me.
Because, believe it or not,
tonight, I almost left you.
I got in that truck
and I just drove.
Then I thought about it,
and I'm a West Texas girl.
I don't turn tail,
so I came back. [chuckles]
Because I made a decision
of my own.
I'm with you on this.
I know why you have to do this
and if Coach puts you
in that game,
and we both know that's
a big if, I'm with you
with all my heart
and sincerity.
On three conditions.
[sighs] First:
you don't ever make a decision
that affects all of us
without asking me,
not telling, asking me first.
And two: you continue
to suit up
and pray to God
that you finish this season
because if you don't,
you are not gonna be able
to live with yourself
and then none of us can.
And the third?
Promise me...
you promise me... [sighs]
...that you're not gonna do
anything out on that field
that you are not certain
that you can do.
What? I can do it all.
-No, you cannot do it all.
-I swear I can.
You cannot,
you stubborn old man.
Now promise me.
Because that...
I believe in.
Your promises.
[solemn music playing]
I promise.
Oh, good, Mike.
You're still here. Thank you.
Sorry I'm late. No, no. Sit.
I was
at the chancellor's office.
It seems that Fernie
is, uh, failing philosophy.
Yeah, a class that I think
even Plato would agree
he, uh, does not need
and should not have taken.
Uh... But you,
how are you feelin'?
-Great.
-Mm-hmm.
You'd say that
even if you weren't.
[laughs]
Now, Mike, you know
Kevin Everett, right?
Tight end for the Bills.
That's right.
For the Bills. Yeah.
And did you see that game?
I did, sir.
He fractured his spine
right on that field.
Laying there, only thing
he could move was his eyeballs.
Mike...
if something were to happen
to you, if you got hurt,
it would destroy every soul
on this team forever.
You know that.
They'd never be the same.
[clears throat] And it would
destroy mine as well.
[dramatic music playing]
Yes, sir.
There's one game left
in the season, Mike.
So, tell me, what can you do?
Uh...
I can be your blocking back
for your field goal team.
Last game you had two
field goals blocked.
No one's gonna run over me.
I guarantee you that.
Hmm.
Okay.
Okay?
[Eileen]
Brought your water bottle.
[exhales] Thanks, darlin'.
What's this?
I didn't know your daddy
had a Bible.
Mama gave it to me
the last time I was there.
Who would've thought, huh?
[Mike grunts]
[lawnmower rumbles]
Micah?
Micah!
Mom, what... what happened?
No, nothing. Nothing happened.
I just wanted to come ask you
for a favor.
I know that you and your father
haven't spoken in some time
and the trainers have cleared
him to play tomorrow
and I think you should be
at the game and watch.
I don't wanna watch him
break his neck.
He won't. [chuckles]
-He made me a promise.
-A promise?
Mm-hmm.
The Mike Flynt Reunion Tour,
it's...
might be the most selfish
thing I've ever seen.
No, it isn't about him
being selfish, honey, it's...
It's about regret.
Regret for what?
About all sorts of things,
Micah.
Him and his dad.
-Him and football.
-Mm.
Him and you.
He has a chance
to redo his senior year
and it's a chance to let go
of that regret,
and maybe if he
lets go of that regret,
he'll start to be able
to let go of the other ones.
He wants to be a better man.
Better father most of all.
I'm 27 years old.
It's a little late. [scoffs]
And he wants me to forgive him
for being the father
he's always been now?
I know, I get that.
And I do not blame you
for being frustrated.
He's never said sorry to me,
not once, about anything.
-He wasn't brought up that way.
-Yeah, neither--
Neither was I.
[somber music playing]
This game tomorrow,
it's a second chance, Micah.
I just think it would mean
a lot to him.
He's my father.
It's not my job
to heal him of his sins.
Fifty-nine-year-old Mike Flynt
made national headlines
walking on the team at Sul Ross
State in Alpine, Texas.
A quest that began
some 35 years ago ends
in the season finale
on Senior Day.
Mike, how does it feel to be
back on the gridiron?
It's a dream, a dream
I've had for a long time.
Now, almost four decades later,
the Division III college
and the current head coach
are giving him another chance.
[reporter] The question
the entire nation
is asking themselves,
is tonight the night
that Mike Flynt will finally
get a chance
to secure his name
in the history books?
[announcer] It's a beautiful
night here at Jackson Field,
the final game of the season
where the Sul Ross Lobos,
5-5, take on their rivals,
the 10-0
Texas Lutheran Bulldogs.
It's a sold-out crowd
where everyone has come
to see Mike Flynt,
the 59-year-old linebacker
who has been plagued
with injuries all season.
[game announcer] And now
the 2007 Sul Ross Lobos.
[announcer] And if
Mike Flynt plays tonight,
he will be the oldest
college football player
to ever step on the gridiron.
Buckle your seat belts.
This should be a good one.
[whistle blows]
5:43 left
in the first quarter.
Tight left. [indistinct] Ready!
[announcer] Still 0-0.
The Lobos offense
backed up again,
deep in their own territory.
Watch that tight.
Watch that tight.
Come on now, Cap!
Here you go, Kyle!
[announcer]
Kyle Braddick under center.
Green 18.
[announcer] That Bulldogs
defense shifting.
Ooh! Big hit!
And Willie Simmons...
It's alright, Kyle!
[announcer] ...with a huge hit
on Braddick,
his third sack of the night.
The Bulldogs'
All-American linebacker.
Let's go!
It's alright! It's alright!
[announcer] That will
bring up a big third down
and long.
Braddick, back under center.
Gonna send a man
over in motion.
Left side, drops back.
From the center...
Picked off. That's Reefer,
free safety for the Bulldogs.
Down near the sideline,
cuts back at the 10,
into the end zone.
Touchdown, Texas Lutheran.
Just like that, the Bulldogs
get on the board first
with a pick six.
Braddick was looking
for Jeremy Cartwright
who is five catches away
from the school record
of 80 receptions.
Easier said than done going
against this Bulldog defense.
[suspenseful music playing]
1:45 left to go
in the first half.
Bulldogs still up 7-0.
And if this Lobo offense
can't find a way to score or
get into field goal territory,
this sold-out crowd
may not get to see Mike Flynt
get into the final game
of the season.
You got this, men. Let's go.
[announcer] Here's the snap.
Jeremy Cartwright,
he makes a move inside.
Ball! Ball! Ball! Ball!
[announcer] It's loose!
Scramble for the ball.
[clamoring]
That's Lobos'! That's Lobos'!
That's Lobos' ball!
That's Lobos' ball! Lobos!
[announcer]
The Bulldogs have it!
[disappointed groans]
[announcer] With 1:25
left in the first half,
you've gotta wonder,
is time running out
for Mike Flynt
and this Lobo team?
Is that ball broken?
You don't like it? Forget it.
Get out of my sight.
Get out of my sight.
Hey, we're still in this!
We're still in this!
[announcer] 1:25 to go
in the first half.
You get the feeling
that Hot Rod Harrison
won't waste this opportunity.
Shotgun snap. Harrison looking
down the middle.
Caught at the 25.
Inside the 20. Down
to the Lobos' 18-yard line.
Harrison's gonna hurry up
to the line of scrimmage,
working with three
wide receivers.
24. Watch 33! Watch 33!
-Cover two, cover two.
-Fernie Acosta trying
desperately to get
his Lobo defense lined up.
Harrison has been
all over the field tonight.
Quarterback draw.
Up the middle.
Gets one block.
Spinning at the ten.
Leaping at the five.
Into the end zone.
Touchdown, Bulldogs.
-Hot Rod Harrison.
-Oh man!
[announcer] And that
will end the first half.
The Texas Lutheran Bulldogs
dominating, up 14-0.
And after a journey that has
taken nearly 30 years,
the senior, Mike Flynt,
finds himself
with only one half
a football left
before the clock
strikes midnight.
Hey, Flynt.
Listen, uh, I'm gonna need
your help.
Alright? Just follow my lead.
-Yes, sir.
-Alright.
[sighs]
Y'all just quit on me!
In front of the entire country,
you quit!
It is the final game
of the season,
the last game some
of you will ever play!
Are you gonna play this game or
are you gonna lay down and die?
Hm?
Let me know what you decide
'cause I am leaving here
until you figure it out.
Coaches, let's go.
[locker door opens]
[indistinct chatter]
[coach] Leave these boys to it.
[door slams]
You know...
Damn it, guys, I feel beat up.
I've spent the last few months
just getting the crap
kicked out of me.
Sometimes-- No, not sometimes,
pretty much all the time,
I just wanna say I'm done.
I'm done with the pain.
I'm done with the achin' bones.
I'm done with the torn muscles.
But you know,
every day, there's
this five-minute span of time
where I tell myself
it's worth it.
It's worth it.
And it's in that five minutes I
remember why I came back here.
It has nothing to do with ego,
boys.
It has nothing to do
with how badly I botched
my senior season back in 1971,
which, by the way,
was so long ago,
your parents were young enough
to be watching Big Bird on PBS.
[laughter]
That five minutes
is about this right here.
Us, a team.
I came back here
to be on a team
because there ain't nothing
better than being on a team.
[group murmurs]
[Mike] I came back here
to be with you all before
I even knew who you all were.
I came back
to cheer for you, Jeremy,
when you make your 80th catch
of the season for a TD
which you have yet to do
but you will do
when you get back
out there tonight.
[gentle, hopeful music playing]
I came here to see you make
those 25 tackles, Fern-man.
-Huh?
-Yes, sir.
I came to look you
in the face, Kyle,
and wonder how a man
who gets sacked so often
can still look so pretty.
[laughter]
I even came back for you,
Stanton.
Because five, ten,
20 years from now,
you're gonna forget any beef
you and I had between us
but what you will remember
is that we fought side by side.
There's one thing
that I've learned
in my sometimes glorious,
sometimes miserable life,
and that's... [chokes up]
[inspirational music building]
...we're not defined
by our successes.
We're defined by our regrets.
And I've had a ton of them.
As a teammate,
as a husband,
as a dad.
Hell, you boys,
you're too young
to have any regrets yet,
ones that really matter anyway.
So don't let tonight
be that first regret.
Don't let tonight be the night
that you regret
for not being there
for your brothers.
[teammates murmur in agreement]
When I come back
in this locker room,
after the game,
I will be an empty shell,
because my very soul,
my spirit,
will be left on that field.
Now, forget about making
this a game
that we'll always remember.
Let's make this a game
they'll always remember.
[cheering and applause]
Let's make this game
their regret.
[cheering]
-Okay, let's go! Let's go!
-[cheering]
Hey yo!
They're gonna know our name.
They're gonna feel our pain.
'Cause that's the name
of the game.
That's the price of fame.
We're here to make war,
not settle the score.
So we're gonna do it for Mike
and we're gonna do it tonight!
They're gonna know our name!
They're gonna feel our pain!
[all chanting] They're gonna
know our name!
They're gonna feel our pain!
They're gonna know our name!
They're gonna feel our pain!
We're doing it for the old man!
[cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[dramatic music playing]
[cheering]
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
-You ready for this, old man?
-I'm ready.
-Watch this.
-I'm watching you.
-Let's go! Come on!
-Go, J!
You need an invitation? Go!
[announcer]
Bulldogs set to kick off.
Jeremy Cartwright
takes it at the goal line.
He's at the five.
Gets a block.
He's at the 10. To the 15!
To the 20!
Go, Jeremy, go!
[announcer] To the 30!
Jeremy Cartwright
returns the opening
second half kickoff!
A hundred yards!
Are you kidding me?
-Know my name!
-PAT! PAT!
[announcer] And looking
towards the sideline,
-this might be it.
-Hey!
That's you, Flynt.
Come on. This is your time.
Go, go, go!
[announcer] Yup.
Here he comes. Mike Flynt.
And everybody's
on their feet here tonight.
[chanting] Mike! Mike! Mike!
This is all for you, Mike!
[announcer]
The 59-year-old linebacker
who sacrificed so much
to get here.
Now my being here
finally means something.
It already has, brother.
It already has.
You go!
[uplifting music playing]
[Mike] Here we go!
[announcer] Mike Flynt,
who's battled injuries
all season,
is gonna be
the oldest football player
-to ever step on the gridiron.
-[whistle blows]
Nice of you to join us.
Thought maybe you'd
change your mind.
Not a chance.
[babbling]
Mike, do not let him inside.
I'm coming for you, old man.
You best dig in
or get out the way.
[announcer] The Lobos
have struggled protecting
this year. They've had
two field goals blocked.
[grunting]
[announcer] Kick is up.
And good!
It's seven on the board
for the Lobos.
14-7 is the ballgame.
Nice hit, kid.
[announcer] Mike Flynt
going toe-to-toe
with Bulldogs' All-Conference
linebacker Willie Simmons.
Thirty years later and
this guy is still all fight.
And all of a sudden, folks,
we got ourselves a ballgame.
Out route on the play.
Big hit by the Lobos!
Here's Braddick, back in
the pocket, throwing right.
-[grunts]
-Sacked one more time!
I'm here all day!
[announcer] Big drop by
Braddick, into the end zone.
Incomplete! And nobody can put
points on the board.
Braddick in the red zone,
crossing route.
Caught. Run out of bounds.
-Beautiful!
-Yeah!
[announcer] Despite the Lobos
putting seven on the board,
it's a defensive struggle.
Nobody giving an inch.
[indistinct cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Braddick again
in the pocket.
He's taken to the turf.
Oh! Did you see that?
How is Braddick getting up
from these hits tonight?
Keep going!
It's alright, Cappy!
You got it!
[announcer] Two heavyweights
going at it here tonight.
Nobody giving an inch.
The Bulldogs back to work
on offense.
Trying a specialty play,
reverse near side--
Oh! Big hit by the Lobos!
-Alright! Now we're rolling!
-That's it!
Yeah! We're in this!
We're in this!
[announcer] Lobos put
seven on the board
but they still trail by seven.
It's 14-7 Bulldogs in
this physical football game.
Blown up on the play!
[whistle blows]
The Lobos hit them
in the backfield.
[Mike] Chains. Let's go.
[announcer] They're gonna
bring the chains out.
I don't think he's got it.
[announcer] Could be
a fourth down and...
-Yeah, he's short.
-Bulldogs are just short.
They've got a big decision
to make here.
And look who's coming
on the field.
Quarterback Hot Rod Harrison.
Back on the field.
Bulldogs are gonna go for it.
Oh! You've got to be
kidding me.
Five-two stack.
Hey, hey. Fern-man. Fern-man.
Listen, this guy's hard
to bring down.
You gotta wrap him up
around the legs,
drive until he goes down.
Got it?
-Yes, sir.
-Hey, believe it.
Yes, sir.
[announcer] If the Bulldogs
pick up the first down here,
they will run out the clock
and take away any hope
of a Lobos winning season.
Everything we trained for
right here.
Five-two stack.
Five-two stack. Ready?
[announcer] Well, this is it.
Fourth down and inches.
Harrison breaks the huddle
and brings his offense
to the line.
You gotta believe
the Bulldogs will look
to their All-Conference
quarterback
to pick up this first down.
Let's go, Fern-man!
You got this!
[announcer]
If the Lobos defense
can hold the Bulldogs here,
the Sul Ross offense
will get the ball back...
[chanting] Defense! Defense!
Defense! Defense!
[announcer]
...with great field position
and time left on the clock.
[indistinct shouting]
[announcer] Shotgun
formation. Here's the snap.
Harrison on the fake.
He's gonna keep it.
Heads for the line.
Oh my gosh, what a hit!
Fernie Acosta with the biggest
stop of his life
has just given the Sul Ross
Lobos a second chance.
[inspirational music playing]
[Weston] Let's go!
Here we go, Lobos!
Let's go, offense! Let's go!
[announcer] Fifteen seconds
left on the clock.
Lobos with a second chance,
now in scoring position.
Hey, Jeremy, make sure
you get out of bounds.
[announcer] Time enough
for two,
maybe three plays
if they're lucky.
No room for mistakes here.
The Lobos with a chance
to tie it up
and to take this game
into overtime.
[Mike] This is it!
[announcer]
With 15 seconds left
and no timeouts.
Shotgun snap.
Cartwright, trying
to get out of bounds.
Doesn't make it!
Let it go! Back on the ball!
Back on the ball!
[announcer] And the clock
is still ticking.
Ten, nine, eight.
He's trying to get the guys
back to the line of scrimmage.
-Come on, Flynt.
-Seven! Six!
They need to snap the ball.
Five! Four!
-Here comes the snap.
-Come on now! Come on!
[announcer] The Lobos,
shotgun snap.
Braddick in the pocket.
He's looking right side.
Cartwright,
back of the end zone.
[echoes]
[suspenseful music playing]
It's caught! It's caught!
Touchdown!
Touchdown, Lobos!
Touchdown, Jeremy Cartwright!
And with that touchdown,
Jeremy Cartwright
breaks the school record with
80 receptions on the season
and brings the Lobos one point
away from tying this game
and sending it into overtime.
You have got to be kidding me!
Field goal unit, let's go!
-Come on, son! Let's go!
-Tie this up!
[announcer] Mike Flynt,
the oldest man
to play the game.
Alright, boys, here we go.
[announcer] For what might be
the last play of his life.
Alright, all you.
Get one for me, buddy,
and then we're tied.
[announcer] The Lobos
one point away
from tying or losing their
final game of the season.
[player] Long night, ain't it?
[announcer] You can't
write it. It's just real life.
[player] Get set! Get set!
Hey, you wanna watch out, Mike!
Call 911!
Killin' an old man's a crime!
[announcer] Mike Flynt
and this Lobo team
with a chance to tie the game
and send it into overtime.
Let's tie this up.
Let's put a man on the moon.
-Come on!
-Boy, after all this,
all the hits tonight,
all the defense
and last-minute score,
it will not matter at all
for the Lobos
if they can't knock down
this extra point.
Set!
[announcer] It's a bad snap!
It's on the ground.
[indistinct shouting]
[announcer]
Braddick's got to pick it up.
He's looking for anybody.
Now being flushed out
right side.
[commentary mutes]
[tense music playing]
[announcer]
Willie Smith is chasing him.
And here comes Mike Flynt!
[grunting]
-Oh my goodness! What a hit!
-[cheering]
Mike Flynt, the 59-year-old,
just frees Braddick
into the end zone
-for the two-point conversion.
-Yeah!
[announcer] The Lobos win!
The Lobos win!
[triumphant music playing]
Yeah, Mike! Yeah!
[announcer]
The 59-year-old Mike Flynt
returns to the field
and makes a key block
to get the Lobos the win
over the Bulldogs.
And what a moment
for Mike Flynt and his family,
all in attendance tonight.
What a moment.
You can't write it
any better than this.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Mike!"]
[team cheering]
Mike! Hey, man.
-That's for you.
-Oh. Thanks, Cappy.
Great game, man.
It was a close one.
[Kyle] It was!
-[player 1] Good job.
-[player 2] Thank you.
-Hey! Fern-man!
-Hey, Mike!
I want to introduce you-- Ow!
You call him Mr. Flynt.
I taught you better than that.
-Yes, ma'am.
-Perdn.
-Nice game.
-[speaking Spanish]
-Oh, there you are!
-Hey! [laughs]
-Y'all in one piece?
-Baby, when you win,
nothing hurts.
-Hey!
-Good job, Dad.
-Oh, darlin'!
-Daddy, good job!
Oh, thank you for coming!
Hey, Mama.
This is for you.
Oh!
[laughs] Michael!
Your daddy would be
so proud of you.
Oh, Mama.
[gentle music playing]
[music intensifies]
I love you, son.
I love you too.
I'm so sorry.
[tender music playing]
[laughs] Good.
Hey, let's get on home.
[Micah] At 59 years old,
my dad became the oldest
player to ever play the game.
And while he left everything
on that field,
this time, he knew
what was most important
is what was off of it.
-You got nothin' better?
-Really?
[Micah] Show me!
Alright. Alright. Alright!
There it is.
[uplifting music playing]
[music fades]
["The Rubberband Man"
by The Spinners playing]
[reporter] Thirty-seven years
ago, Mike Flynt
was a starting linebacker at
Sul Ross State University.
This is Mike Flynt today,
59 years old and a member
of the 2007
Sul Ross football team.
Hand me down
my walkin' cane
Hand me down my hat
Oh no.
-Hey man.
-Michael.
-What a pleasure, sir.
-Nice to see you.
Oh it's so good to meet you.
I still think you're crazy.
Hey, y'all,
prepare yourself
For the Rubberband Man...
You'll never heard a sound
like the Rubberband Man
You're bound to lose control
when the Rubberband starts to jam
Straight up this is one
of my favorite stories ever.
My guest is the linebacker for
division three Sul Ross State.
I thought he was crazy.
Absolutely crazy.
It's been part circus,
part county fair, part revival.
Are you kidding me? You know,
but then I started to
get excited.
We so appreciate
you guys and your talents.
The whole thing has just been
the most incredible experience.
It's an honor for us
to tell your story.
And when you come on a
set you know pretty quickly
whether or not you're
working on something special.
-Thank you.
-Cheers.
[men chanting]
They're gonna know our name!
They're gonna feel our pain!
They're gonna know our name!
They're gonna feel our pain!
Look, my only opponent
is in the mirror
I know it's nobody really
I notice me starin' back
and I know
It's nobody realer
I'm openin' my potential
Know I gotta deliver
So I take a breath
and that whistle blow
Snap the ball
and I'm goin' off
And that clock runnin',
no time-outs
And I'm tryin' for it,
don't care if that sun beam
They call me Icarus
'cause I'm flyin' towards it
My wings stronger,
my heart fuller
My blood pumpin',
clock tickin'
Crowd screamin'
Everything around me
blurry
Runnin' over everything
in my jersey
I ain't got time to think,
no time to worry
These are the moments
I train for
I can lift whatever,
I can take whoever
I can run for hours
like a hunter-gatherer
Got the competition
straight gunnin' for me
Drop the shoulder,
I'm runnin' towards 'em
Whole city got eyes on me
I'm just lookin'
at the prize only
They gon' know our name,
they gon' feel our pain
We gon' let it rain
and I promise
I been through everything
so I got it
I'm doin' everything
that I gotta
They want to bow down,
kiss the ring
You been a queen,
you still a king
Your spirit broken
and it's hard to fix it
When the beast awoken
and it's time to witness
Really, life can bring you
all kind of missions
Be strong enough
to fight all conditions
Show the world,
the little boys and girls
You can change your mind,
you can change the world
They gon' know our name,
they gon' feel our pain
We gon' let it rain
and I promise
I been through everything
so I got it
I'm doin' everything
that I gotta
Yeah, doin' everything
in my power
I'm tryin' to retire Mama,
tell her the world is ours
I'm startin' to see
the future
Vividly, gettin' clearer
My vision, no Nostradamus
So pressure,
I won't allow it
Let me be honest,
I want this
Gonna be a part of this,
moment is larger
Wanna go farther
but I feel pressure
All of this stressin',
enemy on us
Tryin' to be the oracle
with my moral code
Really wanna try to be
historical
'Cause I've felt lost
before
Real talk, it was hard
to let it go
Better understand that
Little bit of flame
in the rap
It's swaying with the flow
I got ice in my veins
And my name in these lights
and they spellin' it right
It's been so many nights
I struggle with trouble
and pain in my life
Was ashamed of my life
so I came with the fight
And they payin' the price,
I won't say it polite
They gon' know our name,
they gon' feel our pain
We gon' let it rain
and I promise
[grand, dramatic music playing]
[music fades]