Former TXST Football Player has Role in Upcoming Film

BY: GABBY TROPEA, SPORTS REPORTER

@gabbytropea

Former Bobcat wide receiver Andy Erickson, may have a career in show business, as he participated as a paid extra in the upcoming film My All American.

 “I’ll definitely take advantage of any opportunity to do any more movie work in the future,” said Erickson. “I had a great time. I met a lot of awesome people. I made some friends in this movie that I’ll probably have for life.”

The movie, directed by Angelo Pizzo, is based on the true story of Freddie Steinmark. Steinmark was a University of Texas defensive back who won a national championship in 1969. What originally appeared to be a deep-bruised leg bone, ended up being diagnosed as bone cancer. Steinmark’s left leg was amputated before the Cotton Bowl versus Notre Dame in the season of 1969. He became a national symbol of determination and courage. He became an inspiration to cancer sufferers before the cancer took his life just a year later.

The upcoming tear-jerker stars Aaron Eckhart, who plays the role of the Longhorn legend, Darrell Royal, who led the team to three national titles in his 20-year tenure and never had a losing season. Finn Wittrock plays the role of Steinmark, who had a special bond with Royal, and even coached the team’s freshman defense.

“Aaron Eckhart was literally Darrell K. Royal,” Erickson said. “He was very into his role when he was on set. We weren’t really supposed to talk to him, we were supposed to treat him like he was Coach Royal. He even behaved like a football coach.”

The film is being funded mostly by oil and gas mogul Bud Brigham, who is from Austin, where the movie was primarily shot.

Erickson heard about open tryouts to be an extra on the radio, so him and some buddies went to the set and got the job. Along his side were former Bobcats Colby Goodwin, Grant Lovelady, and Evan Conder. In addition, was a friend from high school, Colton Volpe, and former University of Texas Safety Matt Zapata.

The role they landed involved doing what the former football players did best – play football. Most of the group played extras while Erickson and Zapata landed credited roles. They worked on set for about two months, 10-12 hours a day, running drills and practicing. Then, they would film game scenes. They jumped around filming at places like Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, the Alamodome, the Cotton Bowl, and other various stadiums.

“My main job was a double for Freddy Steinmark,” said Erickson. “I’m about the same size and I look just like the main character, Finn Wittrock. Me and another guy were the doubles. I played the role of the kicker, I played a running back on another team, and I also played a different character off the football field. I was in a banquet scene, and a locker room scene.”

See Erickson and the other former athletes in action when the movie is expected to premiere in early 2015.