The Man Behind the Helmet theatre production shares the story of former NFL player Frank D. Murphy, Jr. From a troubled teen to national motivational speaker, Frank managed to escape thug life and maneuver successfully through the iron jungle of the professional sports arena. Frank began his professional football career in 2000 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears. During his NFL career, Frank also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans. However, his path to the NFL was a turbulent one.
Growing up in a two parent middle-class household, Frank was seen as different by his inner city peers, which led to him being bullied.
Seeking to prove to others that he belonged, Frank decided to become a reflection and product of the environment of his peers. From guns to selling drugs to jail. Frank embraced the lifestyle around him until it seemed the odds were stacked completely against Frank as he faced the possibility of spending life behind bars. After being given a chance by several high school and college coaches, Frank was drafted into the NFL. Then, Super Bowl Winning Coach Tony Dungy gave Frank a second chance yet again, and he became a star athlete and successful NFL player. However, the success was too fast, the money was too much and the parties and women were plentiful. Soon, Frank found himself dropping to his knees, not on the football field, but between the barrels of two guns.
Through an early life of wrong choices, crime and defeat, Frank found a second chance in a higher power and Frank D. Murphy, Jr., The Man Behind the Helmet, is transformed. This captivating production is a story of difficulties, adversity, bad choices, success, forgiveness and unwavering focus. At the end, it is a story about faith, surrendering, leaving your past behind and transforming. At this point, there is no giving up.
Through this stage play, former NFL player Frank D. Murphy Jr. imparts valuable lessons he learned throughout childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, in the NFL and beyond. Frank’s story is one of struggles and the second chances that changed everything.
Through this production, Frank not only gives insight into his challenges, but he also offers first hand solutions. Frank’s mission is to be able to relate to and guide the youth of today by teaching, motivating, showing and proving to them they do not have to be a product of a negative environment.