My All American: Football Film with Texas-Sized Faith

Hollywood is on a roll with inspirational stories of faith. The latest film, titled "My All American," is opening in theaters Friday. It's a story of football and big, Texas-sized faith!  

Freddie Steinmark is a legend in Texas football, and his life plays out as a compelling story on screen. Actor Finn Wittrock brings the role to life.

"He's a short guy," Wittrock told CBN News. "I think Freddie was the embodiment of tenacity. Hope never quits. That's his mentality."

"He maintained hope and tenacity in the darkest and most challenging things a human can face. And I think the way he attacked football is the way he attacked life," he said.

Steimark dreamed of playing football, but it almost didn't happen – that is until Texas Longhorns Coach Darrell Royal stepped in.

Aaron Eckhart portrays Royal in the film.

"Why do you think he gave Freddie a shot when all the other schools were saying no?" CBN's Efrem Graham asked.

"Because Freddie reminded him of himself," Eckhart replied. "Freddie was a small player. He was undersized. He was an underdog. But he was tenacious. He was fighter."

"Somebody told me that when coach met with him (Freddie), he felt something," he continued. "Now that being said, the coach did not just put him on first string. He proved himself to be an exceptional football player."

Steinmark proved to bigger than the game. His plays on and off the field inspired his team both then and now, long after his death.

Wittrock spent two weeks at football camp to nail the role.

"How much of the playing did you get to do yourself versus someone else?" Graham asked.

"I did as much as they would let me – without like if you do this play and we lose you, we can't film the rest of the movie," Wittrock replied with laughter.

"I am kind of Freddie's size. He is like 5"10', and you realize how daunting that is once you are on a field and there guys like 6"2' coming at you full force. You feel small, yeah," he said.

Despite his small stature, Freddie Steinmark ended up leading his team to a championship, even as he was facing a fight for his life, without even knowing it.

The film is Angelo Pizzo's first as director.

"What was instilled into Freddie from his parents was a very strong faith," Pizzo explained. "He went to mass every day in college and high school – a belief in himself that anything was possible, and he should do the best he can in any endeavor, whether it be on the field or in the classroom."