Football Movies for the Soul & Wings for Your Appetite

There is always a movie or two that hits close to home and holds a special place in your heart. They bring you comfort in times of need or even just a smile to your face when flipping through channels and see them on TV.

Although you may not know who’s playing in Super Bowl 50, here are a few football films that make anyone feel like the most dedicated football fan there is.

Varsity Blues

Starring James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker, Scott Caan, Amy Smart

After a star quarterback is injured, the backup quarterback has to step up and lead the team. But in Texas, where football rules above all, the pressures to succeed may be more than some can handle. And if small town football isn’t enough to keep you interested, there’s always the whipped cream bikini scene, which is probably more-well known than the scenes on the field.

Little Giants

Starring Ed O’Neill, Rick Moranis, Shawna Waldron, Devon Sawa

There’s nothing more motivating than sibling rivalry. And when your brother is a cocky Heisman-winning big shot, who also happens to coach the local peewee football team, the need to prove yourself is just that much more important. When his daughter is cut from peewee football for, well being a girl, Danny O’Shea (Rick Moranis) decides to start his own team and finally show his brother up.

Jerry Maguire

Starring Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr.

A sports agent with a newly grown conscience, Jerry Maguire finds himself fired from his agency and left to prove that he can make it on his own. With the help of a lovesick assistant and his one remaining client, Maguire proves you can both care for your clients and be successful at the same time. And with such famous lines as ‘Show me the money,’ ‘You complete me,’ and ‘You had me at hello,’ it’s hard not to go around quoting the movie 20 years after its release on the big screen.

Remember the Titans

Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst

Remember the Titans is a heartwarming film about a racially integrated high school football team and all the pitfalls that come with accepting this controversial change to the system, both from the community and the players themselves. The way the team finds a way to unify themselves is nothing short of inspiring.

Rudy

Starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty

Rudy is the true story of one somewhat "vertically challenged" Midwest man's admirable determination to play football for the legendary University of Notre Dame. This heartfelt classic has been going strong since the ‘90s and helped launched the careers of some talented celebs including D-Bob's Jon Favreau.

Did your favorite football movie make the list? Share with us in the comments some of your go-to pig skin inspired flicks.

WINGS FOR YOUR APPETITE

What goes better with football than wings!?!

As you watch this Sunday’s big game and dive into some of football’s greatest classic films, check out these wings at some of the area’s best pubs.

Rudy’s

156 S Central Park Avenue in Hartsdale, NY

This local fave may seem inspired by the football film icon but is actually known for its wings. It boasts a whopping 37 types -- everything from naked, to liquid hot magma, to PB&J. Rudy’s also offers multiple options of standard pub grub like quesadillas, sliders, fries and nachos.  

Olde Village Inne

97 Main Street in Nyack, NY

Olde Village Inne is the ideal place for pub grub and pints. While also known for its pizza, chicken pot pie and Irish nachos (french fries baked with monterey jack cheese, bacon and scallions), be sure to check out its fan favorite wings.

Piper’s Kilt

433 White Plains Road in Eastchester, NY

While best recognized for its juicy burgers, Piper’s Kilt should be equally well-known for its buffalo wings. The bar also boasts other fun pub grub such as chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, nachos, onion rings, and tavern fries with cheese, bacon bits and ranch dressing.

The Nanuet Restaurant

211 Main Street in Nanuet, NY

This Rockland County establishment offers the choice of hot, bbq and teriyaki wings. It also serves up antipastos, breaded cheese ravioli, mozzarella sticks, breaded zucchini, fried calamari, chicken fingers and garlic bread parmigiana. But, what The Nanuet Restaurant is most noted for is its large “everything pie” complete with sausage, pepperoni, garlic, onion, olive, pepper, mushroom, meatball and bacon.

Candlelight Inn

519 Central Park Ave in Scarsdale, NY

The best wings hands-down are at Candlelight Inn. Our faves at this cash-only joint are the buffalo and teriyaki varieties, but why not try them all?