Written By: Paula Kirkpatrick
Finish this statement: You’re never too old to __________.
For Mike Flynt, whose story is told in the new Angel Studios’ movie THE SENIOR (opening in theaters September 19), his astonishing answer would be “play college football”—at AGE 59!
“You are the oldest college linebacker in NCAA history!” declares Rick Altizer, host of the Faith Film Fan podcast, as he welcomed Mike as a guest. Listen Here.
“It was like stepping back in time,” Mike responds. “But I had never played football in a 59-year-old body before. I didn’t think there was going to be enough ice in Alpine, Texas.”
During his senior year at Sul Ross State University, Mike was kicked off his football team for fighting. He had always deeply regretted letting down his teammates. That season, they were picked to win their conference, but instead, his former team suffered through a losing season.
After college, Mike became a fitness instructor and a college strength coach. “I stayed in great shape helping other people get in shape.”
In 2007, at a college reunion with his teammates, he expressed his regret in getting kicked off the team. He also told them, “‘You know, I still think I can play.” A teammate challenged him to give it a go … and from that, eventually came THE SENIOR!
Mike flew to Texas to meet with the football coach of Sul Ross. He told the coach, “I’d like an opportunity to make this team and help a bunch of young men that I don’t even know. For me, it makes up for those guys I let down all those years ago.”
In a workout, the coach saw his ability, passion, and desire and agreed to give him a chance to make the team.
“There was nothing I could do to change the past,” Mike says, “but I could change the meaning of my life going forward.”
THE SENIOR comes from producers of The Rookie and Secretariat, and stars Michael Chiklis, (The Shield, The Commish) and Mary Stuart Masterson (Fried Green Tomatoes).
Hear more of Mike’s amazing story on the Faith Film Fan Podcast and then see THE SENIOR in theaters beginning September 19.
And let us know: what are YOU never too old to do? Let us know in the comments below.
