THE STORY

Walt with band and entourage inside Argentina military armored vehicle escaping fans. (Photo: Neal Preston)

"Rock 'n roll is for the hurt, the broken, and anyone else who can handle it."
- UNKNOWN

"Just buckle up and play the game."
- JON EICKSTEAD, OFFENSIVE LINE COACH|NORTHWESTERN

"It's so easy when you know the rules...."
- "PLAY THE GAME" - FREDDIE MERCURY|QUEEN
 

Play the Game is a documentary which depicts the adventures of six football players from Northwestern University - at the time, the worst college team in the nation - who became the bodyguards for rock legends Queen.  

They grew up as sons of working-class immigrants, hometown football heroes, dreaming of gridiron glory. That dream never came true. But a different destiny awaited.

Unlike the typical head-bashing, hooligan bodyguards, these brawny but brainy collegians could talk philosophy, politics, and global economics with the intellectually-minded members of Queen, themselves college graduates.  Before no time, Paul, Doug, Walt, Mike, Wally and Tony were welcomed into “the family”.

Because of their traditional upbringing, this was also their first exposure to someone from the LGBTQ+ community. And not just anyone - the biggest icon around. It started off somewhat awkward and amusing but it led to an understanding and acceptance by way of Freddie's kind and considerate approach.

Tackling the challenges of rock ‘n roll security, they learned valuable lessons (sometimes the hard way) and changed how they saw the world. Plus they had a blast doing it - especially appearing in concert as Superman, Santa Claus, or Darth Vader.

Walt, Mike and Wildcat teammates relax on the grassy knoll.

 

Doug - always the bodyguard - with mom in 8th grade.

 

Paul (left) and Doug (right) pose with the band. (Photo: Neal Preston as seen in his book “Queen: The Neal Preston Photographs”)