Football fans know Arian Foster as one of the most dynamic running backs of the game and a cornerstone of the Houston Texans. Although the squad had a disappointing season, a number one draft pick (hopefully it’s defensive end Jadeveon Clowney) along with continued success from Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson should turn things around.
Foster is also delving into a new chapter in his career playbook, as he plays an athlete waiting to make it to the NFL in the Kevin Costner film “Draft Day.” During a recent press conference, Foster explained why “Any Given Sunday,” a feature which starred Jamie Foxx as talented (and temperamental) quarterback Willie Beamen, is a football film he enjoys.
“Any Given Sunday to me was a very good movie,” said Foster. “It has some stereotypical parts to it but the relationships within the movie are what brings out its essence. The coaches and players relationship and how you butt heads and the players’ dynamic wherein guys really get into fights. That’s real. It’s a very emotional sport. Guys’ jobs are on the line day in and day out. I think the authenticity and the genuine parts of the (story) make it a real movie.”
He may be one of this generation’s NFL greats, but Foster’s went undrafted in 2009. Ironically, the Texans drafted running back Ben Tate in the second round the following year, and Tate has now signed with the Cleveland Browns, the actual team that’s represented in “Draft Day.”
Foster also recounted his own draft day experience and explains why working on the film helped put the NFL Draft Day in perspective. “It was very surreal for me because when you get into character, and you have Terry Crews as your father, and he does an awesome job,” adds Foster. “All those emotions from that day that I never had that I wanted to have came out on that day. That’s what made it so special for me.”
Click on the audio to hear the actor talk about being undrafted in 2009:
