Our Favorite Gridiron Heroes by Position

From the Marx Brothers to Adam Sandler, Hollywood has tackled the sport of football on many occasions. 'Draft Day,' starring Kevin Costner takes us inside the drafting process of the NFL. So here are some of our favorite gridiron heroes by position.

The Longest Yard (Offense)

In this American sports comedy, Adam Sandler plays an imprisoned pro quarterback forced to form a football team in the big house.

The Replacements (Offense)

During a professional football strike, substitute players are hired, including shaggy-haired quarterback Keanu Reeves.

The Blind Side (Offense)

Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for her performance as a woman who took in a homeless boy who grew up to be an All American offensive lineman and first round NFL draft pick.

Jerry MaGuire (Offense)

Wide receiver Cuba Gooding, Jr. won the Oscar when he showed us the money in this Tom Cruise flick from 1996.

North Dallas Forty (Offense)

Nick Nolte scored as wide receiver Phil Elliott in this drama based on the Dallas Cowboys.

Knute Rockne All American (Offense)

Ronald Reagan “scored one for the gipper,” playing halfback, quarterback and punter in this 1940 biographical film.

Leatherheads (Offense)

John Krasinski plays quarterback Carter “The Bullet” Rutherford in this 2008 film directed by and also starring George Clooney.  Is there nothing that man can’t do?  Oh yeah, right, settle down.

Little Giants (Offense)

Shawna Waldron plays fullback Becky “Icebox” O’Shea in a boys’ team run by her father in this 1994 family sports comedy.

All the Right Moves (Defense)

A baby-faced Tom Cruise plays a high school defensive back in this 1983 drama.  How is it possible that Tom Cruise looks just as good – if not better – now?  The man is ageless, I’m telling you.

The Express (Defense)

A drama based on the life of college running back Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.

The Waterboy (Defense)

Adam Sandler tackles the role of waterboy turned defensive linebacker in this 1998 sports comedy.

Remember the Titans (Defense)

Denzel Washington takes over as Head Coach at a high school football team, demoting Will Patton to Defensive Coordinator in this 2000 sports drama based on the true story of African American coach Herman Boone.

Invincible (Defense)

Mark Wahlberg flexes his muscles as Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver Vince Papale in this 2006 film which was based on a true story.  

We Are Marshall (Defense)

A 1970 plane crash counted 37 college football players amongst its casualties.  Head Coach Matthew McConaughey leads the team, including defensive quarterback Nate Ruffin (Anthony Mackie), on a healing journey as they regroup and rebuild.

Horse Feathers (Other)

In this classic 1932 Marx Brothers comedy, Groucho, Chico and Harpo play defense and offense, throw banana peels on the field and drive a horse-drawn garbage wagon across the field like a chariot, taking their team to victory.  You know, the way the game is usually played.