Watch Gridiron Heroes

Gridiron Heroes is an inspiring and heartwarming documentary film that tells the story of Chris Canales, a young student-athlete from San Marcos, Texas, whose life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a spinal cord injury while playing football. The movie follows Chris and his family as they struggle to come to terms with the devastating injury and find a way to move forward.

The film opens with a gripping scene of Chris Canales getting injured during a high school football game. The audience sees the moment when he falls to the ground, and we hear the crack of his spine as he hits the turf. From there, the movie takes us on a journey of hope and resilience as Chris and his family learn to navigate a new reality.

In the aftermath of his injury, Chris is left paralyzed from the neck down. He spends several months in the hospital and rehab, and even though he can't move, he never loses his love of the game. The movie shows us how football was such an integral part of Chris's life, and how devastating it was to lose it all in an instant. But even though he can't play the game anymore, Chris finds a new purpose in life: to help other young athletes who suffer from similar injuries.

The heart of the movie is the relationship between Chris and his father, Eddie Canales. Eddie is a former football coach, and his love for the game is second only to his love for his son. When Chris is injured, Eddie becomes his full-time caregiver, and their bond deepens in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking. The film does a great job of showing just how difficult it is for families to cope with spinal cord injuries, and the toll it takes on everyone involved.

The movie also introduces us to several other injured athletes, including the charismatic Korey Stringer, who died from complications related to heatstroke while playing football for the Minnesota Vikings. We also meet David Edwards, a high school student-athlete from Washington state who suffers a spinal cord injury similar to Chris's. Through these stories, the movie illustrates the risks and rewards of playing football, and the importance of supporting injured athletes and their families.

The film's message is clear: spinal cord injuries are devastating, but they don't have to be the end of the road. With the right support and resources, injured athletes can still lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society. The Canales family becomes advocates for spinal cord injury research and awareness, and their efforts help to inspire others and bring attention to this important issue.

The movie is beautifully shot and edited, with a great soundtrack that captures the mood and emotion of each scene. The interviews with Chris, Eddie, and other family members are candid and poignant, and the footage of the Canales family struggling to adapt to their new reality is both heartrending and inspiring. The film is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

In conclusion, Gridiron Heroes is a must-see film for anyone who loves football, cares about spinal cord injury research, or simply wants to be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. The movie tells a powerful and emotional story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Chris Canales may never play football again, but he has become a true hero both on and off the field.

Gridiron Heroes is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.