John Bacon

Dave Brandon

Sheryl Carson

Inspiring 52 minute biography of the turbulent life of All-American, University of Michigan running back, Billy Taylor.

Daniel Chace

Bob Hercules

Not being a football fan, I knew nothing about Billy Taylor&apos;s athletic feats or his tragic downfall, but his story informed and moved me. I was surprised to find myself crying as he reclaimed his life and went on to help other men in crisis. The film was expertly made, with still photos, archival footage, voice-over narration, on-camera interviews, and present-day footage of Detroit all blending smoothly to tell a remarkable tale. With support, people can &quot;get back up,&quot; to borrow the name of Taylor&apos;s organization. After seeing &quot;Perseverance,&quot; I felt better about the world and its possibilities. I recommend the movie to everyone, even those who don&apos;t like sports.

PERSEVERANCE Â– The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor is the inspiring journey of a talented young man who experienced greatness on college footballÂ’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 BoÂ’s Â“Ten Year WarÂ” 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 TaylorÂ’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 SchembechlerÂ’s important role in TaylorÂ’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&apos;s fight for recovery is at the core of the story, and a powerful reminder that it&apos;s never too late to change.  

Interview subjects include former Michigan coaches Gary Moeller and Jerry Hanlon, as well as TaylorÂ’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)


PERSEVERANCE: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor

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Not being a football fan, I knew nothing about Billy Taylor's athletic feats or his tragic downfall, but his story informed and moved me. I was surprised to find myself crying as he reclaimed his life and went on to help other men in crisis. The film was expertly made, with still photos, archival footage, voice-over narration, on-camera interviews, and present-day footage of Detroit all blending smoothly to tell a remarkable tale. With support, people can "get back up," to borrow the name of Taylor's organization. After seeing "Perseverance," I felt better about the world and its possibilities. I recommend the movie to everyone, even those who don't like sports.

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Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor

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