One of the best running backs in the history of the Canadian Football League has dropped a trailer for his feature documentary.
Running Back Relentless starring Andrew Harris is coming to Apple TV in 2024. The film chronicles his final season in the CFL and retrospectively explores No. 33’s life story; it is being produced by Upper Canada Films.
“Andrew’s story can be controversial and shocking at times, but it has two universal themes that I think will resonate with all viewers: betrayal and resilience. He’s an incredible human and athlete that has been shaped by suffering, and that life experience is likely what pushed him to greatness — but at what cost?“ said Taylor Prestidge, the director of WICK: The Hayley Wickenheiser Story (2022) and Hi, My Name is Dicky (2020).
The 36-year-old grew up in Winnipeg and Steinbach before moving west to Vancouver Island where he rewrote the Canadian Junior Football League record books as a member of the Raiders. The five-foot-ten, 216-pound ball-carrier played his first full CFL season with the B.C. Lions in 2010.
“I’ve always been drawn inward to explore heavy themes around mental health, and Andrew’s story is no different. For this project we also aligned with ServcoCanada thanks in part to their ‘Samantha Mason Foundation’ which is an initiative based in Manitoba that focuses on mental wellness for Canadian youth,” Prestidge said.
“Having played the game, I have a lifelong admiration of the sport. Although I’m also well aware of the toll it takes on the mind, body and spirit. I can’t wait for people to see this documentary because I think it will transcend CFL circles and have an impact on all audiences.”
Harris rose to stardom in 2012 when he recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign. Over a 12-year professional career with the Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Toronto Argonauts, he has rushed for 10,380 yards and 51 touchdowns while recording 607 receptions for 5,489 yards and 32 touchdowns.
“Andrew has been amazing, but I can’t thank the Argos and the CFL enough for the access they provided us,” Prestidge said. “It’s unprecedented for fans of this league to observe the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of a CFL player in a totally unfiltered way, and I think it’s going to be a breath of fresh air for them.”
Harris has won four Grey Cups in total, including three straight as a member of the Bombers and Argos. His final season in the three-down league ended with an upset loss in the 2023 East Final after Toronto tied the record for the best regular season mark (16-2) in CFL history.
