The Replacements (2000), distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, is about a group of misfits who get their shot at professional football because of a pro players’ strike. Their star, QB Shane Falco, played by Keanu Reeves, led them to victory. But the surprise to many is what happened next–an NFL tryout offer.
Keanu Reeves didn’t just walk on the set to play Falco. He went through intense training to play the role. He wasn’t alone. Director Howard Deutch had 45 football players do the same. The training camp was headed by football coordinators Allan Graf and Mark Ellis, the same two who oversaw football scenes in Any Given Sunday.
Reeves, who gained nearly 25 pounds to play Falco, didn’t just train for the role; he brought praise from NFL coaches for his footwork and the ability to move around in the pocket. That praise led to an NFL invitation.
Even though The Replacements was set in Washington with the Washington Sentinels, a fictional team, the movie was shot in Baltimore. The Baltimore Ravens finished the 2000 season with a 10-4 record and had three serviceable QBs on the roster–Trent Dilfer, Tony Banks, and Chris Redman. Still, head coach Brian Billick invited Reeves to camp for a tryout.
Reeves declined, having additional Hollywood projects in the works, but think about it: Keanu Reeves, Baltimore Ravens quarterback. That would have been fun to see!
