This story starts out a bit like 1993's "Rudy", in which an undersized high school football player dreams of playing college and pro ball, but is thwarted by his lack of height and brawn. Owing to his high school coach's friendship with University of Texas head coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart), Freddie Steinmark's (Finn Wittrock) determination and unyielding desire lands him a spot on the team along with a fellow classmate from Wheat Ridge High. Utilizing a new offensive configuration he calls the 'triple option' offense, Royal sets out to build a championship caliber team out of the remains of a devastating six and four won/loss season. What may be a bit different about this championship story is the fact that Steinmark is not an offensive player, he instead becomes an integral part of the Texas Longhorn's defense, noted for shutting down opposition teams as they climb the ranks of nationally ranked football programs. But there's also tragedy waiting to rear it's ugly head, as the talented Freddie grinds through the latter half of the 1969 season with a noticeable limp, eventually to be diagnosed as bone cancer in his left leg. With a national championship on the line, Freddie Steinmark inspires his teammates from the sidelines following an excruciating recovery from an amputation that ends his dream of a sports career. Fair warning, it's hard to keep a dry eye while following the events that cripple the young football player, as his inspirational story resonates with anyone who has to struggle to make the team.