In the two decades I’ve been in this business, the two athletes I have wanted to profile more than any other, were tennis legend Pete Sampras, and All-Pro football player, James Harrison. Why? Because they’ve been depicted as one dimensionally as any superstars I’ve ever seen. I was fortunate to have profiled Sampras several times during the five years I covered the U.S. Open (1996-2000). Once he let you in (which wasn’t easy), his guard dropped and he became quite human. The last time I interviewed Sampras was for 90-minutes on the day he retired from the sport. It was fascinating watching this man exhale and reflect.
I admire people who work hard and don’t court the media, so they will be liked, in order sell merchandize to the American public. I also admire people in the spotlight who aren’t afraid to speak their mind. People like Jim Brown. The James Harrison I’ve hung out with is guarded (for good reason), thoughtful, informed, sensitive and has a GREAT sense of humor. This scene will not be in “The United States of Football,” but gives you and better idea of this private man behind his public mask.
Directed by Sean Pamphilon & Editied by Justin Bergeron
Photos by Tom Stewart
© Copyright 2012 S.P. Philms, LLC
SP Philms