25 Football Films to Love (Even if You Don't Love Football)16 of 25
North Dallas Forty (1979)
Fans of the 1970s-era Dallas Cowboys may find more than a few similarities between the characters in this comedy and their favorite players from that era. That's because the movie, which gives an arresting look into life as a professional football player during the Me Decade, was based on the semiautobiographical novel by Peter Gent, who himself played wide receiver for the Cowboys during that time. Nick Nolte stars as Phil Elliott, an aging wide receiver who is biding his time in the league until he can retire and enjoy the good life. His attitude doesn't always square with the team's hard-nosed, cold-as-ice coach, who, depending on your status as a Cowboys fan, may or may not resemble Tom Landry.
Fans of the 1970s-era Dallas Cowboys may find more than a few similarities between the characters in this comedy and their favorite players from that era. That's because the movie, which gives an arresting look into life as a professional football player during the Me Decade, was based on the semiautobiographical novel by Peter Gent, who himself played wide receiver for the Cowboys during that time. Nick Nolte stars as Phil Elliott, an aging wide receiver who is biding his time in the league until he can retire and enjoy the good life. His attitude doesn't always square with the team's hard-nosed, cold-as-ice coach, who, depending on your status as a Cowboys fan, may or may not resemble Tom Landry.
PeopleNick Nolte, Mac Davis
TitlesNorth Dallas Forty
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images - © 2012 Getty Images