“Glory Days: The New Golden Age of HBCU Football” –
Friday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 p.m. ET
“Keep Pushin: 60 Years of Activism in the NFL” –
Sunday, Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m. ET
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Feb. 21, 2024 — NFL Network celebrates Black History Month with the premiere of two documentaries, “Glory Days: The New Golden Age of HBCU Football” and “Keep Pushin: 60 Years of Activism in the NFL.”
“Glory Days” airs on Friday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network, commemorating the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their connection to the game of football.
“Through the lens of history, we are delving into the often-forgotten impact of desegregation on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and their cherished football programs,” said Shayna Hayes, head of content, entertainment and initiatives at the NFL. “It is a story of struggle and triumph, and showcases the indomitable spirit that has defined these vital institutions for generations.”
The 30-minute film – produced in partnership with LMN Creative Studios and Knox Strategies – features the triumphs of HBCU pioneers such as Rudy Hubbard and his dominant Florida A&M program, examines the legacy of Eddie Robinson and Doug Williams at Grambling State, and traces the parallels between the Civil Rights Movement and Black progress at the university level.
“College football is a cultural focal point across our nation with record-breaking viewership, revenue and growth year after year,” said Nicholas Jacobs, co-director of the film from LMN Creative Studios. “However, with all of the hype and excitement around college football, HBCU football is often overlooked. Despite its underappreciation, HBCU football has been pivotal in the growth and development of HBCU culture, and its associated communities.”
“Keep Pushin” airs on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network, tracing the evolution of activism on the part of players of color through generations, shining a light on the realities of being a Black athlete in the NFL then and now, and showcasing how players’ growing leadership in activism reflects the broader changes in America over the past six decades.
“This film utilizes artistic expressions, articulate voices and emotional experiences to illustrate the truths associated with being a Black athlete within the boundaries of the NFL,” said Emmy-winning director Rashad Floyd. “The narrative is focused on defining the term activism, and how the sport of football has been used by our players to fight for civil rights on and off the field.”
Among those featured in the 30-minute documentary include two-time Super Bowl champion and longtime civil rights activist John Wooten, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, former Pro Bowl safety Eric Reid, 12-year veteran offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum and former NFL running back Johnathan Franklin.
To view a trailer for “Keep Pushin,” visit here.
“Athlete activism has a long and rich history in this country, and many courageous figures have shown us that their voices can be powerful tools for change,” said Hayes. “However, this documentary is not only about the past – it is a call to action. It reminds us that activism takes many forms. There are still injustices that need to be addressed, and we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable and inclusive world.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences,” said Reid. “This journey led to one of the most challenging, controversial and rewarding moments of my career and life. The time to tell my story has arrived and I am excited to share the man behind the knee.”
“We often correlate activism to outward acts of defiance – standing up against inequality, kneeling in protest over injustice and marching through cities demanding to be heard,” said Beachum. “What made filming these stories important was highlighting the human element behind taking a stance on the crucial issues facing our communities and shaping our experiences. With this film, I’m hopeful we are able to ignite dialogue on important issues like economic equity and access to capital alongside social injustice conversations. Sport offers a platform unlike any other and I feel honored to have shared space with so many pioneers redefining what athlete activism means, and why it is vital for change and progress.”
An in-person screening of “Keep Pushin: 60 Years of Activism in the NFL” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 12:30 p.m. ET at NFL Los Angeles in Inglewood. For media interested in attending, please contact Shelley Tabor ([email protected]) by Friday, Feb. 23.
On Saturday, Feb. 24, NFL Network provides live coverage of the 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl at 4 p.m. ET from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Play-by-play announcer Steve Wyche, analysts Charles Davis and Bucky Brooks, and sideline reporter Sherree Burruss are on the call.
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