Today in 1971, ABC's made-for-TV movie Brian's Song premiered. Based on a true story, Brian's Song is centered around two friends and NFL running backs (Billy Dee Williams as Gale Sayers and James Caan as the titular Brian Piccolo) whose lives and careers are complicated after one is diagnosed with cancer. The movie is regarded as one of the best made-for-TV movies ever produced and frequently tops "best of" lists relating to sports films, buddy films and "male weepies." It has also won numerous accolades, including three Emmy awards.