Warchant.com - Burt Reynolds returns to his football roots

October 20, 2004

Lee Gordon
Warchant.com Staff

Burt Reynolds never thought he'd see the day. His movie, the Longest Yard grossed 46 million dollars in 1974. Thirty years ago, that was a huge deal. But now, the former Seminole is bringing the classic back to the big screen, and he's doing it next year.

"It's weird for me," said Reynolds, "I thought I'd be pushing up daisies when they re-did the movie, not in it. I'm playing the world's oldest football player."

Actually, Reynolds has a small role in the picture, playing one of the prison wardens.

In 1974, the Longest Yard was a serious football movie. This time around it will be a little different and features Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, to go along with pro wrestler Bill Goldberg and a slew of current and former NFL stars.

"Adam is taking it very seriously," said Reynolds. "It's impossible not to be funny with those guys around. But it's the same story."

Even Reynolds' co-stars are amazed at the production of the new film.

"Anyone my age looks up to Burt Reynolds," said pro wrestling star Bill Goldberg, "He's an idol. To be in a remake of the Longest Yard is the coolest thing on the planet. It's one of the best football movies in the history of mankind."

Saturday's trip to Tallahassee was Reynolds first of this football season. He had planned to make it to the North Carolina game to spend time with his old teammates from the 1950's, but couldn't get to town in time. But if you think Reynolds is done with the big screen, think again. He's about to embark on one of the coolest projects of all time.

"I won't be embarrassed to say it, but I'm playing Boss Hogg in the Dukes of Hazzard movie. We start taping in three weeks."

Lee Gordon is the Sports Director at WCTV (CBS) and WTHL (FOX) in Tallahassee...His reports can be seen at 5:30, 6:00, 10:00, and 11:00 Monday-Friday. Lee's broadcast experience began at WFLD in Chicago where he worked as a sports producer on the Bears Sunday Live show. From there he was the Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter at KTVQ in Billings, Montana (yes, where the rodeos are)...