Brian's Song (2001 film)

Brian's Song is a 2001 American made-for-television sports drama film directed by John Gray and starring Mekhi Phifer and Sean Maher. It is a remake of the 1971 film of the same name, which itself was based on the real-life friendship between Chicago Bears football players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, and Piccolo's battle with embryonal cell carcinoma.

The film largely follows the same narrative as the original, focusing on Sayers' and Piccolo's initial rivalry, their eventual close friendship, and the impact of Piccolo's illness and death on Sayers and the Bears team. It highlights themes of racial unity, perseverance, and the power of friendship in the face of adversity.

While the 2001 version retells the familiar story for a new generation, it received mixed reviews, often being compared unfavorably to the critically acclaimed and culturally impactful 1971 film. Some critics felt it lacked the emotional depth and impact of the original.