Bill Parcells has been among football’s most fascinating figures for 30 years because of his contradictions.
He can lay his soul bare for the world to see one minute, then close himself off the next. He inspires great loyalty in his players because he was so hard on him. Parcells expects the best out of everyone that works for him, yet often seems tortured by all the things that make him “less than perfect,” as he describes himself.
Ever since the mid 1980’s, Parcells told those around him he’s ready to quit football. But he can’t give up the juice. He calls competition on Sundays in the NFL a “narcotic.”
That push and pull with the game he loves is the centerpiece of NFL Films’ excellent documentary on Parcells that debuts Friday night on NFL Network at 8 et -- Bill Parcells: Reflections on a Life in Football.
As usual, the great old NFL Films footage steals the show. In one scene, Bill Belichick follows Romeo Crennel into a Patriots coaching meeting.
“I wanted to be late so you’d have somebody to yell at for NFL Films,” Belichick cracked to big laughter from Parcells.
A fellow coach approaches Parcells before a game when he was coach of the Giants and chides him for his Slim Fast commercial.
“I’ll do anything for money,” a truly slim Parcells jokes.
Perhaps a decade later, Bernie Kosar (then with the Dolphins) comes up to Parcells when he’s coaching the Patriots. He gives Parcells grief that he’s gone from endorsing Slim Fast to Dunkin’ Donuts.
“Every once in a while I get a little mercenary,” Parcells said.
The documentary works because it shows Parcells, warts and all. The impact he made on players like Phil Simms and Curtis Martin shines through. At times it feels part-documentary, and part-therapy session for Parcells.
For a true NFL junkie, it’s must-watch stuff.
