Ep 10. The Perfect Backfield

The episode titled "The Perfect Backfield" is the 10th episode of the 5th season of the Emmy-nominated show A Football Life. The episode delves into what is considered one of the greatest backfields in football history, featuring Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas, Hall of Fame halfback Lenny Moore, fullback Alan Ameche, and offensive tackle Jim Parker.

The backfield played for the Baltimore Colts during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and their dominance on the field earned them the nickname "The Greatest Game Backfield." The episode explores in depth the dynamic between the four players and their individual talents that made them so unstoppable.

Viewers get a glimpse of how Unitas, known for his precise passing and ability to read defenses, worked in tandem with Moore, who could run, catch, and block with equal ease. Meanwhile, Ameche provided a powerful running game and Parker was a reliable blocker at tackle – all elements that combined to create a versatile and incredibly effective offense.

The episode also examines the circumstances and personalities that came together to form this iconic backfield, including the coach who brought them together – Hall of Famer Weeb Ewbank – and the Colts' general manager, who took a risk by selecting Unitas in the 9th round of the 1955 draft.

Through interviews with former teammates, coaches, and football historians, viewers gain insights into the impact this backfield had on the game of football and their ongoing legacy as one of the greatest football teams of all time. The episode is a tribute to not only the individual accomplishments of these Hall of Famers but their remarkable ability to work together as a team to achieve greatness.