Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor (2012)

PERSEVERANCE – The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor is the inspiring journey of a talented young man who experienced greatness on college football’s largest stage, then saw his world come crashing in around him. Knocked down by personal losses, Taylor battled drug and alcohol abuse, incarceration and homelessness on the streets of Detroit over the course of 25 years, in a dogged struggle to recover his health, restore his reputation, and rebuild his family. A record-setting, 3-time All-American and team MVP, Taylor began his career at Michigan at the same time that legendary head coach, Bo Schembechler, began his tenure, and was a notable soldier in Bo’s “Ten Year War” with Woody Hayes of Ohio State, helping to establish one of the biggest rivalries in modern sports. Both Taylor and Schembechler came from Barberton, Ohio. PERSEVERANCE highlights Taylor’s notable football accomplishments then goes deep, exploring the setbacks that sidelined him. Filmed in Michigan and Ohio, the film contains rarely seen footage and photographs, and reveals Schembechler’s important role in Taylor’s story, along with others who helped him get back up and reclaim his life. Much more than a sports profile, PERSVERANCE addresses themes of drug and alcohol dependency, homelessness, rehabilitation, self-determination, loyalty, parenting and faith. Taylor's fight for recovery is at the core of the story, and a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change. Interview subjects include former Michigan coaches Gary Moeller and Jerry Hanlon, as well as Taylor’s teammates David Brandon, Don Moorhead, Thom Darden and Henry Hill. Other notables include John U. Bacon, Bruce Madej and Tom Ufer. Dr. Taylor and members of his immediate family are central subjects in this redemptive story. Conceived and produced by Dan Chace (Black Point West), the film was co-directed by Michigan grads Chace and Bob Hercules (Media Process Group). The film is suitable for all ages. (52 minutes)