Published July 20, 2011 - 1:10pm
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New SEC ‘Storied’ Documentary Series Slated for ESPNU; ‘Herschel’ Set for September 7
ESPN’s award-winning Content Development unit (30 for 30) will create four one-hour documentaries highlighting the traditions, rivalries and unique stories of the Southeastern Conference it was announced today at the conference’s Media Days event in Birmingham, Ala. The “Storied” series will debut on ESPNU Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET with Herschel, about former University of Georgia and pro football standout, Herschel Walker.
ESPNU will televise four “Storied” documentaries per year. The series’ second film highlighting the first SEC football championship game will air in December. All of the films will re-air on ESPN or ESPN2.
John Dahl, executive producer, ESPN Content Development, said, “We pride ourselves on our dedication to storytelling. The SEC’s rich, layered history certainly lends itself to a series of this kind. We look forward to sharing these captivating stories with SEC fans.”
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said, ““The “Storied” series will be an opportunity to take fans behind the scenes of some of the compelling stories that have been part of the history of the Southeastern Conference. These films will add to ESPN’s list of outstanding production in the tradition of its “30 for 30″ series.”
About the film
Produced in conjunction with NASCAR Media Group, Herschel explores how Herschel Walker’s career in the SEC was legendary, but his journey off the field was filled with struggle, pain, and ultimately, redemption. Growing up in rural Georgia, Walker was relentlessly bullied for being overweight and having a severe stutter. He turned those taunts into motivation, transforming himself into a superior athlete. Unable to afford weight training equipment, Walker self-trained by doing 5,000 pushups and sit-ups every day after school, racing oncoming locomotive trains and running barefoot in 100-degree heat while pulling a 50-pound tire.
He would become a star running back in high school and shatter state records. At Georgia, Walker led the school to its only undisputed national championship, was a three-time All-American and winner of the 1982 Heisman Trophy. He is considered one of the SEC’s and college football’s greatest players ever. But despite those accomplishments, Walker endured mental anguish for years over the unresolved childhood traumas. Eventually he was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder and underwent intensive psychotherapy to heal.
The film includes interviews with Walker’s family, former Georgia coaches Vince Dooley and Mike Cavan, and teammates Frank Ros and Joe Happe, as well as his high school coach, his psychotherapist, former Dallas Morning News writer Skip Bayless and former USFL New Jersey Generals owner Donald Trump.
Quotes
Walker on being bullied: “I used to pay kids money to talk to me or to be nice to me….There are so many kids out there that are suffering and hurting, that if I can speak out about it and touch someone’s soul, that makes me feel better than winning the Heisman trophy.”
Dooley: “I think Herschel is the greatest that’s ever been.”
Happe: “The impact Herschel has had on the SEC is unprecedented. His legacy will never die.”
Trump: “Herschel is a high quality human being. Football is the least of it. He is just somebody special.”
That is the largest human being ever.
Pretty excited about the 4 ESPN documentaries on the SEC. Big business continues in the SEC.
I cannot wait to see this special! My hubby is #68! Blocking for Hershel was a great honor for him!
Gotta love SEC football!
My God… was he carrying a house on his back or were those just his shoulders. I can’t wait for this.
Hershel was a great players and is a really good man, and that’s from a Bama fan! God Bless you Hershell!
Rore73, it speaks and shows what class you have as to make a statement telling how well a sportsman Herschel was and is. When your opponent’s teammates or fans compliment you, that speaks volumes as to the class when it comes to it about the SEC. Reminds me of family, I can talk about my family, but no body else can when speaking bad. Thanks for your statement. I remember Herschel when playing and the interviewer would be STUCK on Herschel, and he would stop them as say, if it weren’t for My teammates, I would not be where I am. He JUST HAD CLASS about him. Again thanks for the recognition of him.