Playmakers (2003)
"If all you see is the athlete, open your eyes."
Synopsis
The series is a gritty ensemble drama about the off-field lives of a group of players on a pro football team and how they deal with the pressure of being on the professional level.
Network
ESPN
Episodes
Game Day
The Cougars are 2-3 and it's six hours to kick-off. Leon Taylor, back from injured reserve, plans to retake the running back throne from rookie Demetrius ""DH"" Harris, who will not slow down for anyone. Coach George must get hard-hitting middle linebacker Eric Olczyk's head together before the game.
The Piss Man
The league drug testing official a.k.a. The Piss Man is coming: no one knows which two players are on the list. They better be clean - otherwise it's automatic suspension. Guard Dog tempts Leon with a way to get his mojo back. Olczyk needs to calm his demons. McConnell's got pain management issues.
The Choice (1)
Part 1 of 2. Leon faces the possibility of a trade; DH must decide where his loyalty lies; McConnell's in a slump.
The Choice (2)
Part 2 of 2. When new evidence surfaces, DH is pressured to change his statement; Olczyk receives news about his father; a rift grows between Robin and Leon.
Halftime
The Cougars have been ravaged. Coach George and the medical staff must patch up the pieces for the second half. Leon faces a potentially career ending knee injury that worsens a rift with Olczyk, who knows what Leon did to Robin. DH can't make it to the next half without getting high. McConnell needs relief from the pain of a separated shoulder: he's got Chambers scouring the stands for his next night nurse.
Man In Motion
Coach George lectures the team; DH's drug abuse comes to a head; domestic abuse rumors involving Leon appear; McConnell arranges a boys night out; Olczyk cannot forget about Beth.
Talk Radio
Leon and Robin's decision to go public leads to legal problems; DH makes a charity appearance; Coach George sees a doctor; McConnell and Wilbanks' daughter make a bet.
Down and Distance
Olczyk prepares to face his nemesis: a lightning fast quarterback who runs. Leon must resolve his legal issues to continue playing on the team. Coach George learns that he has prostate cancer. McConnell's halftime hookup comes back to haunt him: she's pregnant and it's his.
The Outing
Guerwitcz asks August to marry him in order to dodge a rumor that a Cougars player is gay; tensions build between Leon and and Olczyk over midseason contract negotiations.
Tenth of a Second
DH's big brother, Big E, learns some disturbing news about Cal's crime; Leon takes steps to prolong his career.
Week 17
Leon auditions for a sportscaster job at Samantha's station; Olczyk must handle a surprise pregnancy announcement; Buffalo's weight gain affects his chances of playing.
Cast
Details
Original Title
Playmakers
Status
Ended
Seasons
1
Episodes
11
Production
ESPN Original Entertainment, Orly Adelson Productions, Thanksgiving Day
