Michael Chiklis on Classic Sports Movie Comparisons: ‘When the Game Stands Tall’ Is Not About Football

Michael Chiklis is best known for his role as corrupt LAPD detective Vic Mackey on the long-running hit series “The Shield,” but he’s about to show more of his passionate, inspiring side in the upcoming feel-good sports film “When the Game Stands Tall.” Chiklis plays the part of Terry Eidson, an assistant football coach at De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif. The film tells the story of how the Spartans handle adversity and come together after 12 straight state titles and 151 consecutive wins.

TheWrap talked with Chiklis after a screening of the film and discussed the similarities between working in sports and working in Hollywood, his hopes for the film’s success and how it stacks up against other classic sports films such as “Rudy,” “Hoosiers” and “Remember the Titans.”