Ricky Bell, an all-pro running back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who died of a rare muscle disease in the prime of his career. The plot centers on Bell's relationship with a father-less handicapped boy, and his efforts to be a big brother to him. The boy ends up being an inspiration for Bell when his disease makes the athlete more afflicted than the boy.

Carolyn Sapp, Miss America 1992 (and a non-actress), plays herself in this drama based on her personal story of abuse and betrayal at the hands of the man she loved, Nu'u Fa'aola, a Samoan pro-football player for the New York Jets.