Watch Running For His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story

Running For His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story is a 2016 documentary film chronicling the life and career of former NFL player Lawrence Phillips. The film, directed by Ross Greenburg, provides an intimate and thorough look into the troubled life of Phillips, who rose to become one of the most talented college football players of his time, only to end up serving time in prison for multiple crimes.

The documentary features interviews with former teammates and coaches, including Jimmy Johnson and Tom Osborne, as well as friends and family members who knew Phillips both on and off the field. Through their stories, viewers gain insight into the events that shaped Phillips' life, including his difficult childhood, the pressures of being a top athlete, and his ultimately tragic downfall.

One of the main themes of Running For His Life is the role that race played in Phillips' life and career. Born into poverty in a predominantly black neighborhood in Los Angeles, Phillips faced significant challenges growing up. He struggled in school and was eventually expelled before turning to football as a way to escape his circumstances. Despite his incredible talent, however, Phillips faced discrimination both in college and the NFL, where he was often portrayed as a troubled, difficult player.

The film also delves into the issue of domestic violence, which was a recurring theme in Phillips' life. He was accused of assaulting multiple women throughout his career, and many of those who knew him speculate that past trauma may have played a role in these incidents. Through interviews with Phillips' ex-girlfriends and former teammates, the film paints a complicated picture of a man who was both charming and abusive, beloved and feared.

Another key theme of Running For His Life is the toll that trauma can take on a person's mental health. Phillips suffered from depression and anxiety throughout much of his life, and there are several moments in the film where he talks openly about feeling isolated and alone. At one point, he even admits to having considered suicide. Through these intimate interviews, viewers gain a greater understanding of the challenges that Phillips faced both on and off the field.

The film also explores Phillips' football career in depth, from his time as a standout running back at the University of Nebraska to his brief stint in the NFL. While he was known for his impressive skill and athleticism, his career was marred by controversy, including clashes with coaches and repeated suspensions for off-field incidents. Despite these setbacks, Phillips remained one of the most talented players of his era, and his story serves as a cautionary tale about the price of fame and success.

Overall, Running For His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story offers a comprehensive look into the life and career of a troubled and talented athlete. Through interviews with those who knew him best, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped Phillips' life and the legacy that he left behind. The film is both insightful and poignant, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world that can be unkind to those who are most vulnerable.

Running For His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.