Kenny Chesney has harnessed his passion for football into a tribute of sorts; his instant smash hit "The Boys of Fall." It's also grown into a documentary on football that airs tomorrow, Sun., Aug. 29 at noon on ESPN.
The first time I heard the tune, I knew it would be huge. It captures the spirit of American football on all levels. And, in this state, where football reigns, you'll want to see the ESPN documentary based on Chesney's tune. As I stated, it airs Sunday (tomorrow) at noon. Set those DVRs, and check local listings for all air times.
"We've been working on this for 18 months. Over the years, I've become friends with people in the sports world that come to our shows. I wanted to talk to guys that mean a lot to the football world and (how the game) has shaped their lives forever," Chesney told Nashville Tennessean columnist Pete Cooper in a recent interview.
The video for the song debuted on Sports Center, so it was natural that it morphed into a larger show.
"Boys of Fall" features many big names, including No. 4. In fact, Chesney went to Hattiesburg, Miss., to meet and eat with Brett Favre. Bill Parcells, Peyton Manning, Nick Saban, Bobby Bowden, John Madden and others also are featured in the show.
In case you're interested, here are the lyrics of the tune.
"The Boys of Fall"
Kenny Chesney
"When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass,
I'm back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulder pads.
Standing in the huddle, listening to the call,
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall.
"They didn't let just anybody in that club.
It took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood,
To get to wear those game-day jerseys down the hall
The kings of the school, man, we're the boys of fall.
Chorus:
"Well it's turn to face the Stars and Stripes
It's fighting back them butterflies.
It's 'call it in the air,' alright
Yes sir, we want the ball.
And it's knocking heads and talking trash.
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass.
It's 'I got your number,' 'I got your back.'
When your back's against the wall
You mess with one man, you got us all
The boys of fall."
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
