What do actor Zachary Levi and retired two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner have in common? Turns out, a lot. Warner and Levi are the new generation of men confronting challenges publicly, sharing vulnerability openly, and taking responsibility as mentors.
We spoke with Warner and Levi about their upcoming film, American Underdog, a biopic about the struggles, life, and success of Warner that inspired a generation of college athletes. Warner’s story is well known but the movie digs much deeper into what really happened during the time between collegiate ball and signing on with the NFL. Levi plays Warner as a young man through his trajectory of being dependent on food stamps after graduating from college and working at a grocery store to becoming one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history.
“There’s stoicism about Kurt, but he also has a great sense of humor,” Levi reflects about his first biopic portrayal. “I’m very outgoing and demonstrative and Kurt is more subtle and nuanced—so I had to pull back a bit to embody his wit and quiet approach.”
“The essence of who we are as men is actually very similar,” Warner pipes in. “You want to find someone who looks like you, but I also wanted to capture the essence of who I am. Getting to know Zach, we came to realize that we believe in a lot of the same things and want to represent ourselves in the same way.”
The movie features standout performances by Ser’Darius Blain, as Warner’s best friend Mike Hudnutt. and Dennis Quaid as Warner’s St. Louis Rams coach and surrogate father-figure, Dick Vermeil. Actor Danny Vinson shines as Warner’s future father-in-law—notably during a potent scene (in a garage) about loyalty and the deep responsibilities of marriage and parenthood. Warner’s son Zachary is played by Hayden Zaller—a small but weighty anchor in the movie.
American Underdog opens on December 25, 2021.
Men’s Journal: From an actor’s standpoint, what do you think differentiates American Underdog from the canon of iconic sports movies like Rudy, Remember the Titans, Field of Dreams, Hoosiers, and Miracle?
Zachary Levi: In those movies, there were physical and other perceived limitations: Professional Russian hockey team versus college kids; short college kid with athletic limitations playing for Notre Dame; college students overcoming grief. What’s different here is Kurt Warner had the physical athleticism and elite level ability—yet he still faced a mountain of challenges, closed doors, rejection, and repeatedly hearing No. The common denominator of all these movies is, of course, persistence and determination. But American Underdog focuses much more on self-love—knowing you were meant to do something and not letting anyone tell you differently.
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Beyond the expected underdog thread, American Underdog weaves into its narrative all those forms of non-romantic love that leverage human potential to the fullest.
Our movie isn’t heavy-handed in its underdog theme. Kurt cared so much about the game and the people around him that they all loved him back. There’s a lot of similar DNA in sports movies, but what differentiates American Underdog is that it’s 25 percent football and 75 percent faith and family. It’s about being stuck and getting unstuck. It’s about believing you are meant for something bigger and greater than what others believe. That’s what Kurt learned from Brenda. Even if you have someone who believes in you and supports you, you still have to believe in yourself.
You’ve mentioned some of the differences, personality-wise, between you and the football icon you’re portraying. Beyond that, do you see hidden similarities?
Kurt and I definitely do have things in common. He knew when he was young that he was born to play football at the highest level. I can relate to that because I have wanted to be an actor since I was 4 years old. No matter your age, you have to have an unrelenting faith in yourself. There is simply no substitute for faith in self. If you work really hard and follow positive, trusted mentors, even if you don’t have those male tent posts to thread that needle of accomplishment for you, trust in self is crucial to manifesting your own vision. Doesn’t matter if you’re dreaming of becoming an athlete, an actor or anything else. It all begins with that trust in yourself. During the shoot, I just kept trying to stay as grounded as Kurt is. Kurt and [wife] Brenda were on set for much of the shoot. For actors, that’s usually nerve-wracking, but I was grateful to have them there because they’re both so generous and kind. There’s a signature confidence about Kurt. I think all of these characteristics were important to bring forward in honoring his story, his family, and him.”
You’ve experienced your own share of obstacles and challenges. Were you able to draw upon some of those to help tell Kurt’s story?
Kurt and I both had a lack of a father in our lives. That’s something I really struggled with—along with my own mental health years ago. When I was 37, I did not know if I wanted to live anymore. So I sought out help. Therapy was immensely helpful for me. The most important thing is to value who you are, not what society wants you to be. Life is exponentially easier if you value your own self-worth. If I do nothing else in this life but help men of all ages open up about their emotions and needs, that’ll be enough. That conversation is at the forefront for me. It’s priority number one.”
As a 41-year-old actor taking on the role of a 24-year-old Kurt Warner, could you have seen yourself playing this role 17 years ago? Is there an emotional advantage to the age gap?
I could not have played this role as a young man. Bringing my life experience to it allowed me to embody the full arc of Kurt’s experience—so I really do feel very grateful that I’m not younger doing this role because the depths of what I’ve lived through and the challenges I’ve faced informed my performance as a man and an actor. It allowed me to look both forward and back, while infusing my character with all of that essential life experience. Had I been 24 years old as an actor, I wouldn’t have been able to bring the same maturity and depth of understanding forward in the performance.
Men’s Journal focuses on ever-evolving definitions of health, family, responsibility, work, and masculinity. Can you tell us more about Active Minds—the organization you work with to provide resources and mental health guidance for young men?
Mental health and a healthier definition of masculinity is such a crucial thing to be talking about now. When we talk about “toxic masculinity” in particular, what does that really mean? It means someone has experienced trauma. At some point in life, an individual has experienced a broken body or a broken mind, and if left untreated or dismissed that’s when toxic byproducts rear their head. We—men and the young men we mentor—need to discuss grace and empathy and shift how we see health and mental health. We all have so much going on in our hearts and minds. That needs to be listened to and valued when expressed. It shouldn’t and can’t be considered a sign of weakness.
The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues in young men. There has been a rise in anxiety, depression, isolation and insecurity about the future. What’s especially important right now?
At any time, but certainly during this time, we need to be reaching out to young men and boys in their lives during their formative years—during that time when minds are most malleable. We need to give kids that essential tool kit to live healthy lives and find it in themselves to weather through life’s challenges. Those tools are vital for navigating life from an early age.
Listen—mental health is like flossing your teeth. The earlier you start as a kid, the easier it is to keep that habit of therapy and counseling going. If you stop brushing your teeth and stop flossing, guess what happens? Cavities—and eventually pulled teeth and root canals. With young men, we need to start with mental health maintenance at a much younger age. Prevention and support are so much better than reactionary triage, rehab—or worse—sending first responders when it’s much too late.
Back to American Underdog. At its core, what’s it really about?
American Underdog is about the DNA of self-love and acceptance. Yes, I’m six-foot-four and athletic, but to be an elite athlete you need to be mentally healthy too. No matter what your beliefs are, we need to accept where we are. In the film, Brenda accepts where Kurt is and continues to encourage him even through the highs and lows of confidence-shaking life events. Things will start manifesting when you believe in yourself and surround yourself with positive, supportive people. People who truly care about you and your future as young men and men. Self-love is what it’s all about.
Kurt—over to you—was it hard to hand your life to Zachary Levi, or any actor for that matter, in the making of such a personal movie?
Kurt Warner: It’s easier when you realize that the two of you are quite similar in many ways—and also when you notice certain parallels. Similar to what Zach was saying about things happening later as opposed to earlier, had I entered the NFL immediately after college, I wouldn’t have been the same person or player. In my mind, I wouldn’t have accomplished the same things I was able to later in my life. When I look back, I could not have done that nearly as well had I not had that seasoning, time, and training ground to struggle.
Did you see anything in yourself while watching Zachary on the screen that you hadn’t previously recognized?
That’s a really good question. As athletes we’re kinda taught “no emotions.” Always be confident. Always believe in yourself. A huge part of my life was just wanting to believe I was going to make it. But there are all those human emotions and questions that go along with that. Am I good enough? Am I gonna make it? That internal wrestling match is ongoing. There were moments of doubt that I tried to suppress, but they were there. Zach captured both my confidence and my vulnerability.
Do you have a favorite scene in the film?
It’s hard to pick one moment or scene from that time in my life, but if I had to I think it would be the wedding scene. It connects football and being able to move past that and seeing something bigger. That’s when I realized that football isn’t everything. That was a big part of letting go and becoming who I fully wanted to become in life.
Athletes and non-athletes alike are out there mid-pandemic hearing a lot of No. That’s a weighty syllable in this film. What’s the mindset that helps you reach Yes?
A lot of people out there are in that exact same position right now. When I worked in a grocery store, I realized that this is not the end of the game. My Supermarket Moment was acknowledging that I have to take that next step. I didn’t know what my path was. Ups and downs, goods and bads—never let your circumstances define you. That to me is the message. You just gotta have faith in yourself. You’ll get closer to your destination if you develop as a person. One of my favorite lines in the movie is during that Hall of Fame speech: ‘Sometimes you gotta do what you have to do while you are waiting to do what you were born or want to do.”
Fatherhood and its absence is such a giant theme in the film. For young men—or men of any age—who feel dissonance from being neglected by the absence of their fathers, what’s the message here? Where is the positive path forward?
Try to learn from every circumstance. I asked myself what did I miss and what did I need at that age? And then I decided my own kids would never miss that. I learned from some of the least favorable circumstances. My father and I had to work through that rather than blaming anyone. What do we do with what happened in the past—now? Where can we connect as men? It wasn’t perfect right away. It was a slow process. We needed to figure this out rather than holding animosity. We worked it out. I learned what I could from what I missed as a kid but I continue to seek out what I want. Now we’ve gotten to a place where we’re very close and he’s an unbelievable grandfather to my kids. I want him to be the kind of grandpa that he wasn’t as a father. He’s grown, and I’ve grown.
Post-quarterback career, what are some of the things you’re most passionate about these days?
I’m most passionate about continuing to impact people with different endeavors I’ve taken on. I’m very passionate about the community my wife and I have created at Treasure House—an active living community for young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The goal of Treasure House is to provide young adults with an accessible, safe living environment that will support them as they grow, develop, and thrive.
A few quick huddle questions before we wrap up. Favorite NFL team?
Cardinals and the Rams.
Favorite NCAA team?
Kansas State, because my son plays there right now.
Best quarterback in history?
Tom Brady is the best of all time, but growing up I was a big Dan Marino fan.
Who’s gonna win the Super Bowl?
I’d like it to be the Arizona Cardinals, but I think it’ll be Tampa Bay.
Best shovel pass in the NFL now?
[Laughter] … Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs has a pretty good one.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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