Is Draft Day Based on a True Story? Ending Explained and More
by Rubaditsha
Updated Apr 26, 2023
Is Draft Day based on a True Story?
Despite the realistic setting and procedures portrayed in the movie "Draft Day" about NFL drafts, it is not based on a true story. Instead, it is a work of fiction written by Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman. However, director Ivan Reitman ensured that the movie could be enjoyed by both football fans and non-fans alike. He recognized the dramatic potential of the NFL draft and the tension that comes with the ticking clock and high stakes.
Reitman wanted to create a movie that was not solely about football but also about a man struggling through a difficult time in his life. The protagonist, Sonny, faces various conflicts that the audience can easily understand and relate to, even if they are not football fans. Kevin Costner's portrayal of Sonny effectively conveys the character's pressure, and the film's main attraction is its investment in the emotional turmoil that he experiences.
While the movie is not based on a true story, it incorporates several details that are very similar to real-life situations. Reitman and the writers aimed to avoid the cliches that often appear in sports movies and instead created a movie with authentic and heartfelt depictions. As a result, "Draft Day" is a film that anyone can enjoy and root for, regardless of their interest in football.
Draft Day Plot
The movie 'Draft Day' follows the story of Sonny Weaver Jr., the general manager of the Cleveland Browns football team, as he navigates the 2014 NFL Draft. Along with deciding how to use the seventh overall pick to improve the team, Sonny has personal issues on his mind.
He discovers that his girlfriend, Ali Parker, the team's salary cap analyst, is pregnant, and the recent death of Sonny's father causes tension with his mother. In addition, Sonny had fired his father, a legendary coach for the Browns, which he later admits was for his mother's sake because his father refused to retire even with failing health.
The Seattle Seahawks hold the first overall draft pick, and their general manager, Tom Michaels, offers to trade it to Sonny. This would allow the Browns to draft Bo Callahan, a highly-rated Wisconsin quarterback prospect. Sonny initially declines, but under orders from team owner Anthony Molina to "make a splash," reluctantly makes the deal, trading away the Browns' first-round draft picks for the current season plus the next two years. The opportunity to obtain Callahan excites Browns fans but splits the team's front office and players.
The trade becomes public after Ohio State linebacker Vontae Mack, who had been Sonny's original choice as the first pick, tweets about it. Vontae tells Sonny to re-watch college footage of him and Callahan playing against each other, with Mack coming out on top. Sonny begins to have doubts about Callahan's ability under pressure, and the Browns' investigations also bring Callahan's character into question.
When the draft begins, Sonny struggles with his decision before ultimately drafting Vontae Mack as the number one pick. The announcement shocks the rest of the league, disrupting many of their plans for their own picks. Molina is irate and flies back to Cleveland, intent on firing Sonny. Head coach Vince Penn is also incensed and threatens to resign.
Rumors begin to spread about Callahan as other teams avoid selecting him. However, the Seahawks are still in contention to pick Callahan with the seventh pick, and Sonny senses an opportunity. He convinces the rookie general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars to trade him their pick at six in exchange for the Browns' second-round draft picks for that season plus the next two years.
Sonny then calls Michaels, demanding his first-round picks back, along with punt returner David Putney, in return for passing on Callahan. After tense negotiations, the Seahawks agree to the deal and choose Callahan at the sixth pick. With his now-restored seventh pick, Sonny appeases Penn and Molina by selecting skilled running back Ray Jennings of Florida State, himself the son of a former Browns player.
Molina and his team celebrate the Browns' successful draft. After the draft party, Sonny reconciles with his mother over his excellent draft performance and her soon-to-be first grandchild. Although the setting and procedure showcased in the movie regarding NFL drafts are quite realistic, the story is fictional, written by Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman.
Draft Day Ending Explained
In "Draft Day," the ending sees Sonny Weaver Jr. (played by Kevin Costner) successfully navigating the NFL draft to select players that will help improve the Cleveland Browns team. However, the ending is not just about the success of the draft, but also about Sonny's personal relationships and growth.
Throughout the film, Sonny faces numerous challenges, including the recent death of his father, tension with his mother, the revelation of his girlfriend's pregnancy, and pressure from team owner Anthony Molina to make a splash with the draft. However, Sonny manages to overcome these challenges and make the right decisions for his team.
The climax of the film occurs during the draft itself, when Sonny decides to draft linebacker Vontae Mack instead of the highly-touted quarterback prospect Bo Callahan. This decision shocks the league and divides the Browns' front office and players. However, Sonny sticks to his instincts and takes a chance on Mack, whom he believes is the best fit for the team.
Sonny's decision pays off, as other teams avoid selecting Callahan due to rumors about his character, and the Seahawks ultimately choose him with the sixth pick. Sonny then trades for the seventh pick to select running back Ray Jennings, the son of a former Browns player, which helps to appease both Molina and head coach Vince Penn.
The film's ending sees Sonny celebrating the success of the draft with his team, including his mother and girlfriend. He also reconciles with his mother over his excellent draft performance and her soon-to-be first grandchild. The film ends with Sonny looking out at the field, content with the choices he has made and the future of the Browns team.
Overall, the ending of "Draft Day" not only concludes the story of the NFL draft but also shows the personal growth and relationships of Sonny Weaver Jr. as he navigates the challenges and pressures of his job and personal life.
Draft Day Summary
Draft Day is a 2014 American sports drama film directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Denis Leary. The story revolves around the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, Sonny Weaver Jr. (played by Costner), as he faces the pressure of making crucial decisions on the day of the NFL draft.
On the day of the draft, Sonny faces several challenges, including personal issues such as his girlfriend's pregnancy and the recent death of his father. He is also under immense pressure from the team owner to make a bold move and select a highly-rated quarterback prospect, Bo Callahan.
However, Sonny begins to have doubts about Callahan's ability and character, and his investigation reveals some troubling information. As the draft begins, Sonny makes a shocking decision by trading his first pick to obtain linebacker Vontae Mack, causing a stir in the NFL.
Throughout the film, Sonny struggles to balance the demands of his job, his personal life, and his conscience, and the pressure mounts as he attempts to make the right choices for his team. In the end, Sonny makes a series of bold moves that ultimately lead to a successful draft for the Browns, as he rebuilds the team with new talent and gains the respect of his colleagues.
Overall, Draft Day is a gripping drama that delves into the high-stakes world of professional football and explores the complex relationships between players, coaches, and team management.
Is Draft Day based on a True Story: FAQs
No, Draft Day is not based on a true story.
The story of Draft Day was written by Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman.
The main plot of Draft Day revolves around Cleveland Browns general manager Sonny Weaver Jr. who is faced with the task of deciding how to use the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft to improve the team, while also dealing with personal problems.
Sonny Weaver Jr.'s girlfriend in Draft Day is Ali Parker, the team's salary cap analyst.