ESPN Films Presents
Specials
Following on from the success of ESPN's 30 for 30 series, this collection of sports documentaries continues to tell compelling stories from the unique perspective of the filmmakers.
Where to Watch Specials
12 Episodes
- HellfightersE2
HellfightersHarlem’s only high school football team, the Hellfighters, are a long way from Friday Night Lights. The bleachers are empty, practice space scarce, and the Board of Education bureaucracy ruthless, but under the perseverance of coach Duke Fergerson, the Hellfighters are fighting to overcome it all, one touchdown at a time. In their third season, the Harlem Hellfighters try to prove that they deserve to become Harlem's high school football team. - The StreakE3
The StreakThe longest winning streak in the history of American sports is the focus of this film chronicling the 2007-08 season of the Brandon High School (Tampa, Fla.) wrestling program which entered the season having won 451 straight matches dating back to 1974. Team members train for years to earn a coveted spot knowing that the pride and prestige of being a Brandon wrestler comes with the weight of expectation by fans, alums and themselves that the record is preserved. - Bud Greenspan: At The Heart Of The GamesE4
Bud Greenspan: At The Heart Of The GamesThe most defining stories and moments in the life and work of the highly acclaimed and revolutionary Olympic filmmaker, Bud Greenspan. Included are athletes that have stirred the world’s imagination, from celebrated winners, such as gold medal gymnast Mary Lou Retton, to largely forgotten also rans, such as marathoner John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania, who courageously finished a grueling 26-mile marathon on a badly damaged and bandaged leg in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. - The Zen Of Bobby VE5
The Zen Of Bobby V Focuses on former Major League player and manager, Bobby Valentine, and his current job managing one of Japan’s premiere baseball teams – the Chiba Lotte Marines. Unprecedented access to Valentine and his team, while exploring the impact globalization has on the game’s present and future. - The Greatest Game Ever PlayedE7
The Greatest Game Ever PlayedRecounts the December 28, 1958 game played between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants at Yankee Stadium for the NFL championship. Johnny Unitas led the Colts to a dramatic 23-17 overtime victory. ESPN will create a new broadcast of this landmark event using the original film of the game and intercutting unique interview pairings of the surviving members of that legendary game and their modern day NLF counterparts from the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants. - A Woman Among BoysE8
A Woman Among BoysChronicles Ruth Lovelace, a woman coaching the boys’ basketball team at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York. The once highly accomplished and storied basketball program had fallen apart before Lovelace took over as head coach in 1994 at the age of 25. But Lovelace restored basketball excellence, leading the team to 13 straight playoff appearances. - Boys Of FallE10
Boys Of FallA football documentary about life. Executive Producer and Country Superstar, Kenny Chesney began shooting footage and football interviews for his new single "The Boys of Fall" in fall 2009. After shooting footage of friend and New Orleans Saints' coach Sean Payton at his high school alma mater, Chesney decided to expand the video into a full documentary film. Over the next several months he filmed youth football games, high school football games & locker room speeches as well as interviews with football greats. Interviews include Troy Aikman, Bobby Bowden, Mack Brown, Tony Dungy, Brett Favre, John Madden, Peyton Manning, Joe Namath, Sean Payton, Bill Parcells, Nick Saban and Jim Tressel. After an introduction that includes Payton speaking to his old high school team in the locker room before a big game, it depicts how those who do not go on to long, storied careers in the NFL, like high school wide receiver Chesney, the lessons learned on the field help to shape who they are today. - Wendell Scott: A Race StoryE11
Wendell Scott: A Race StoryWendell Scott was the only black driver to win a NASCAR race. ESPN Films, in conjunction with Emmy Award-winning NASCAR Media Group and Max Siegel Inc, chronicles his victory at Jacksonville Speedway in 1963, and his positive impact on the sport.
