"Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying."
James Caan
as Brian Piccolo
Billy Dee Williams
as Gale Sayers
Jack Warden
as Coach Halas
Bernie Casey
as J.C. Caroline
Shelley Fabares
as Joy Piccolo
David Huddleston
as Ed McCaskey
Judy Pace
as Linda Sayers
Abe Gibron
as Abe Gibron
Jack Concannon
as Jack Concannon
Ed O'Bradovich
as Ed O'Bradovich
Harold 'Happy' Hairston
as Veteran Player #1
Ron Feinberg
as Veteran Player #2
Ji-Tu Cumbuka
as Roommate
Jim Boeke
as Veteran Player #3
Larry Delaney
as Dr. Fox
Stephen Coit
as Mr. Eberle
Doreen Lang
as Nurse #1
Jennifer Kulik
as Nurse #2
Allen Secher
as Hotel Man
Stu Nahan
as Speaker
Mario Machado
as Reporter #1
Bud Furillo
as Reporter #2
Jack Wells
as Toastmaster
Dick Butkus
as Dick Butkus (uncredited)
Mike Ditka
as Mike Ditka (archive footage) (uncredited)
January L'Angelle
as Girl in Hospital (uncredited)
William Blinn
Writer
Buzz Kulik
Director
Michel Legrand
Original Music Composer
Alfred E. Overton
Sound Mixer
Jack Newman
Thanks
Joe Guarracino
Steve Sabol
Paul Junger Witt
Producer
Tony Thomas
Associate Producer
George C. Emick
Sound Editor
Dave Friedman
Still Photographer
Ernie Ernse
Harold E. Wooley
Richard Learman
Second Assistant Director
Wayne Fury
Marvin I. Kosberg
Ralph Hickey
Paul Laune
William J. Montague
Monty Pearce
Frank Lombardo
Set Decoration
Al Silverman
Book
Gale Sayers
Bud S. Isaacs
Editor
Renée Valente
Casting
Eddie Saeta
Unit Production Manager
Joseph F. Biroc
Director of Photography
Ross Bellah
Art Direction
Assistant Director