Watch 4th and Goal

4th and Goal is a 2010 American documentary film directed by Nina Gilden Seavey, that follows six football players striving to make it to the NFL through a football training camp in California. The movie centers on the prospects' dedication and personal stories as they work to overcome obstacles to reach their goals. The film is structured around the annual Monterey Peninsula Community College Football Program, which provides athletic training to young players looking to get into the NFL. The program is known for producing top-level talent but is also infamous for its brutal training methods that push aspiring football players to their limits. This documentary follows the lives of six young men as they undergo grueling physical and mental training in hopes of one day making a career in professional football.

The six primary subjects featured in the film are Terry Baggett, DeQawn Mobley, Albert Toein, Mateaki Moala, Scottie Bailey, and Chris Holloman. Each comes from a different background and has a unique story to tell. For example, Terry Baggett is a military veteran who served in Iraq before pursuing a career in football. DeQawn Mobley is a talented cornerback from Alabama who would be the first in his family to graduate from college if he completes the training.

The training involves a rigorous schedule of physical training, practice, and meetings with coaches, so it is incredibly demanding for the participants. The training is overseen by coaches and trainers, including former NFL stars Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, and Steve Mariucci. The documentary shows exercises and drills that help improve the players' physical abilities, such as strength, speed, and agility.

However, the film is not limited to just the training facilities, as it also delves into the players' personal lives. 4th and Goal provides a glimpse into their backgrounds, relationships, and aspirations. For instance, we see Terry Baggett open up about his experiences in combat and how they shaped his life. We see DeQawn Mobley's family back home and how he wants to give back to the community.

One of the most compelling parts of the documentary is the play-by-play analyst of each player's performance by coaches and trainers. It's fascinating to watch as the trainers provide advice and insights on how the players can improve their game. The film also highlights some of the challenges of trying to make it in the NFL, such as the high stakes and fierce competition. The film illustrates how injuries or poor performance can easily derail a player's dreams of making it to the league.

In summary, 4th and Goal is a compelling documentary that captures the dedication, discipline, and hard work of aspiring football players. The film offers an inside look at football training camps and provides an intimate portrait of the players' lives, desires, and challenges. It shows that the journey to becoming a professional athlete is not easy, but with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible.

4th and Goal is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.