EXCLUSIVE: Former NFL star Ricky Williams is fronting a documentary about the physical, mental and emotional toll of an American football career.

Directed by Andi Budman, the doc made for streaming platform Rewarded TV will see Williams getting together with fellow football greats Jeff Garcia, Jeff Blake and Brandon Bostick to consider how they have continued to battle chronic injuries and lingering effects of repeated concussions. Specifically, they’ll look at the devastating effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma. 

Director Budman is known for work on high-profile projects such as Hit Man, starring Glen Powell, and Queen of the South. Her doc is being billed as a “call to action,” centering on Williams’ story after his career for teams such as the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins.

The pair are crowdfunding the doc through the Rewarded TV web3 streaming platform, which uses blockchain technology to compensate indie creators.

Per the synopsis: “For many retired players, the fight didn’t end with the final whistle. They gave everything for their teams, and now face the journey of healing with purpose for their loved ones and themselves. Their struggles extend beyond the physical, battling depression, anxiety, and the search for purpose beyond the game.”

“I’m really excited to be working with Rewarded TV to bring Healing from the Gridiron to life,” said Williams. “Throughout my playing career, I learned that success comes from surrounding yourself with a strong team, and we’ve built an incredible one for this project.

“With the amazing Andi Budman leading production, my fellow former NFL players Jeff Garcia, Jeff Blake, and Brandon Bostick on board, and the unwavering support of the Rewarded TV team and community, I truly believe we have the best possible team to make this vision a reality.”