A Football Life

Watch A Football Life

  • 2011
  • 10 Seasons
  • 8.7  (691)

A Football Life is a documentary series produced by NFL Network that debuted in 2011, chronicling the lives and careers of some of the most esteemed football players, coaches, and personalities in the sport's history. The series is hosted by sports journalist Jenn Brown and has featured a wide range of subjects, from Super Bowl champions like Barry Sanders and Terrell Davis to legendary coaches like Bill Belichick and Tom Landry. The show has garnered critical acclaim for its in-depth storytelling, unparalleled access to its subjects, and its ability to capture the human side of the game. Each episode of A Football Life typically features interviews with the subject and their friends, family, and peers, as well as plenty of archival footage and highlights from the subject's career. One of the most celebrated episodes of A Football Life is its profile of New England Patriots coach and NFL icon Bill Belichick, which aired in 2011. The episode traces Belichick's journey from a young assistant coach to one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history, including his tenure with the Cleveland Browns and his Super Bowl victories with the Patriots. Through interviews with Belichick himself, as well as former players and coaches, A Football Life explores the mindset and coaching philosophy that has made Belichick such a dominant force in the league. Viewers get an inside look at Belichick's famously unorthodox coaching methods, from his intense film study and game planning to his unwavering commitment to the "Patriot Way." Another standout episode of A Football Life features Troy Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. This episode examines Aikman's life both on and off the field, from his childhood in Oklahoma to his storied career with America's Team. Through interviews with Aikman, his family, and former teammates and coaches, A Football Life offers a nuanced portrayal of this football legend. Viewers get a glimpse into Aikman's complex relationships with his coaches and teammates, as well as his struggles with injuries and the media spotlight. Throughout its run, A Football Life has tackled a wide range of topics and personalities. Other episodes have explored the lives and careers of players like Walter Payton, Reggie White, and Reggie Bush, as well as coaches like Steve Mariucci and Tom Coughlin. In addition to its documentary-style storytelling, A Football Life also features segments in which Brown offers insights and analysis on current events in the NFL. These segments provide viewers with a fresh perspective on the game, as well as a chance to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends. Overall, A Football Life is a must-watch for any football fan, offering a deep and compelling look into the minds and lives of some of the most iconic figures in the sport's history. With its unparalleled access, expert storytelling, and rich archival footage, the show offers an intimate portrait of the game that has captivated millions for generations.

A Football Life
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Seasons
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
December 20, 2019
Summary not available
Thurman Thomas
5. Thurman Thomas
December 13, 2019
"The Thurmanator" led the NFL in yards from scrimmage four straight seasons. And he scored TDs in four straight Super Bowls. Yet Thomas's best trait was turning his biggest disappointments into motivation for his greatest triumphs.
Bruce Smith
4. Bruce Smith
November 29, 2019
He set the standard for defensive ends. An unstoppable force who helped lead the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances on his way to becoming the NFL's all-time sack king.
Ronnie Lott
3. Ronnie Lott
November 1, 2019
He was the heart of the 49ers dynasty. An intimidating enforcer who became the prototype for defensive backs earning four Super Bowl rings and a gold jacket.
Tony Gonzalez
2. Tony Gonzalez
September 20, 2019
He described himself as the worst player on his youth football team, but he became the NFL's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, and a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Terry Bradshaw
1. Terry Bradshaw
September 13, 2019
A Hall of Famer who won four Super Bowls as the Steelers quarterback and still enjoys his football life today after 35 years as a television analyst.
Description

A Football Life is a documentary series produced by NFL Network that debuted in 2011, chronicling the lives and careers of some of the most esteemed football players, coaches, and personalities in the sport's history. The series is hosted by sports journalist Jenn Brown and has featured a wide range of subjects, from Super Bowl champions like Barry Sanders and Terrell Davis to legendary coaches like Bill Belichick and Tom Landry.

The show has garnered critical acclaim for its in-depth storytelling, unparalleled access to its subjects, and its ability to capture the human side of the game. Each episode of A Football Life typically features interviews with the subject and their friends, family, and peers, as well as plenty of archival footage and highlights from the subject's career.

One of the most celebrated episodes of A Football Life is its profile of New England Patriots coach and NFL icon Bill Belichick, which aired in 2011. The episode traces Belichick's journey from a young assistant coach to one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history, including his tenure with the Cleveland Browns and his Super Bowl victories with the Patriots.

Through interviews with Belichick himself, as well as former players and coaches, A Football Life explores the mindset and coaching philosophy that has made Belichick such a dominant force in the league. Viewers get an inside look at Belichick's famously unorthodox coaching methods, from his intense film study and game planning to his unwavering commitment to the "Patriot Way."

Another standout episode of A Football Life features Troy Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. This episode examines Aikman's life both on and off the field, from his childhood in Oklahoma to his storied career with America's Team.

Through interviews with Aikman, his family, and former teammates and coaches, A Football Life offers a nuanced portrayal of this football legend. Viewers get a glimpse into Aikman's complex relationships with his coaches and teammates, as well as his struggles with injuries and the media spotlight.

Throughout its run, A Football Life has tackled a wide range of topics and personalities. Other episodes have explored the lives and careers of players like Walter Payton, Reggie White, and Reggie Bush, as well as coaches like Steve Mariucci and Tom Coughlin.

In addition to its documentary-style storytelling, A Football Life also features segments in which Brown offers insights and analysis on current events in the NFL. These segments provide viewers with a fresh perspective on the game, as well as a chance to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends.

Overall, A Football Life is a must-watch for any football fan, offering a deep and compelling look into the minds and lives of some of the most iconic figures in the sport's history. With its unparalleled access, expert storytelling, and rich archival footage, the show offers an intimate portrait of the game that has captivated millions for generations.

  • Premiere Date
    September 15, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    8.7  (691)