“I just want to honor Cole”: A new film will center on the narrative of an ex-UT player.

“I Just Want to Honor Cole”: A New Film Will Center on the Narrative of an Ex-UT Player

In the ever-evolving world of sports, the stories that capture our attention are often not just about victories and defeats on the field. They’re about the individuals behind the uniforms, their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. As athletes, they may be larger-than-life figures, but at their core, they are human beings who experience a wide range of emotions, both on and off the field. This is particularly true for former University of Texas (UT) athletes, who often find themselves grappling with their pasts and their futures once their playing days are over.

A new film project is set to explore this complex journey through the lens of one former UT player, whose story is bound to resonate with fans and viewers alike. Titled “I Just Want to Honor Cole,” the film centers around a former Longhorn player named Cole, whose rise to prominence on the field was matched by the struggles he faced off it. As the film dives into his life, it explores themes of redemption, the pressures of collegiate athletics, and the impact of loss.

The Story Behind the Film

The project, which is set to premiere in late 2025, follows the life of Cole, a former star player for the Texas Longhorns football team. The film’s creators were inspired by the real-life stories of athletes who have faced difficult circumstances after their time at the university. Cole’s narrative mirrors many athletes’ experiences—rising to fame on the field only to encounter challenges when the spotlight fades.

From the outside, Cole had it all: a scholarship to one of the most prestigious programs in college football, the admiration of fans, and the promise of a future in professional sports. But as the film delves deeper, it reveals the other side of his life—one marked by personal struggles, mental health challenges, and the emotional toll of trying to live up to expectations both from others and himself.

Central to the film’s plot is the death of a close friend, also a former teammate, which serves as a turning point in Cole’s journey. This event pushes him to reflect on his past, question his purpose, and ultimately reframe his relationship with the sport and his identity.

Exploring the Complexities of Post-Athletic Life

The transition from a college athlete to a civilian is something many athletes struggle with, and the film seeks to capture this complexity. For Cole, his entire identity had been wrapped up in football. From an early age, the sport was his outlet and his way of proving himself to the world. But as his career at UT came to an end, he found himself at a crossroads—without the structure of the team and the support of coaches and teammates, he felt lost.

This is a common experience for many former athletes. They are often thrust into the real world without the tools to navigate life after sports. The film portrays Cole’s emotional journey as he learns how to cope with the sudden loss of the identity that had defined him for so long. As he navigates the difficulties of reintegration into civilian life, he also grapples with his own self-worth and the pressure to succeed in a world where his previous success is no longer enough to secure his future.

The pressure on athletes to be “more than just athletes” is a growing conversation, especially in the age of NIL deals, where college players are constantly in the media spotlight. The film captures these nuances, showing that Cole’s struggles were not just due to the physical demands of football but also the emotional and psychological strain of always being “on.”

A Tribute to Loss: “I Just Want to Honor Cole”

The title of the film, “I Just Want to Honor Cole,” refers to a powerful moment in the storyline in which Cole reflects on his late friend and teammate. The friend, who had been one of the rising stars on the UT team, tragically died in a car accident shortly after their time together at the university. For Cole, this loss represents not just the death of a friend but the loss of a shared dream. As he looks back at their time together, he feels a deep sense of guilt and responsibility to honor his friend’s legacy.

The film emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, friendship, and the bonds that athletes form during their careers. In the case of Cole, his desire to honor his friend becomes his driving force for finding redemption in his life. Instead of succumbing to despair, he channels his grief into a renewed sense of purpose, seeking to use his platform and his voice to give back to the community and to continue his friend’s legacy.

The theme of honoring someone who has passed is powerful throughout the film. It showcases how people can be deeply affected by those they’ve lost and how that grief can fuel positive action. Cole’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns that honoring his friend doesn’t mean replicating his success or living in the shadow of their shared past. Instead, it’s about embracing his own path and living in a way that would make his friend proud.

The Power of Sports in Healing and Growth

While “I Just Want to Honor Cole” is primarily a story about loss and self-discovery, it also explores the redemptive qualities of sports. For Cole, football was both the source of his pain and a potential source of healing. He returns to the game—not as a player, but as a coach for a local high school team that he’s been drawn to. The experience of coaching allows him to connect with a new generation of athletes who, like him, once lived their lives under the weight of immense expectations.

The film emphasizes how sports can serve as a vehicle for personal growth and healing. For Cole, coaching becomes a way to channel his grief into something constructive. Through his mentorship, he is able to guide young athletes, instilling in them the same values that he learned on the field at UT—discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and honor. The game, once a source of stress and frustration, becomes a medium for healing, helping him to find new meaning in his life.

At the same time, the film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of coaching. The responsibility of shaping young minds and helping athletes navigate their own futures is a heavy one, and Cole faces challenges in balancing his desire to help his players while also dealing with his own unresolved trauma. The juxtaposition of his personal struggles with his efforts to mentor others creates a compelling narrative of growth and redemption.

The Broader Narrative of College Athletics

While “I Just Want to Honor Cole” is deeply personal, it also serves as a reflection of the broader issues facing college athletes today. The film touches on the intense pressure that college athletes experience, the emotional toll that comes with being in the spotlight, and the struggles that come with transitioning out of the world of competitive sports. Cole’s story is not just a singular experience but a reflection of the struggles that many athletes face after their careers are over.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is how it brings attention to the mental health challenges that athletes, particularly college athletes, often face. The toll of constant performance, public scrutiny, and the fear of not measuring up can have lasting effects on an individual’s well-being. The film aims to shine a light on these issues, encouraging conversations about mental health in sports and creating space for more nuanced discussions about the emotional lives of athletes.

The Film’s Impact: A Message of Hope and Redemption

“I Just Want to Honor Cole” is more than just a sports film. It’s a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of human connection. By focusing on Cole’s journey after football, the film explores universal themes of loss, identity, and the search for meaning. It’s a story about how we can all honor the people we’ve lost, find strength in our struggles, and build new futures even after the hardest of times.

For fans of the Texas Longhorns, the film will resonate deeply. It’s a tribute not only to the athletes who have worn the burnt orange and white but also to the university’s larger athletic legacy. Cole’s story, though fictional, reflects the journeys of many former athletes who have faced the realities of life after sports and are looking for ways to honor the legacies of those who have gone before them.

Ultimately, the film reminds us that sports, while important, are only one part of an athlete’s life. “I Just Want to Honor Cole” encourages viewers to look beyond the field, to understand the human side of athletes, and to find inspiration in their journeys long after the final whistle blows.