Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sports comedy with drinking, language drops the ball.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Signing Tony Raymond
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Louisiana University's Special Teams Coach Walt McFadden (Michael Mosley) will finally get a promotion if he can accomplish a very big, difficult task: SIGNING TONY RAYMOND. McFadden travels to rural Alabama to look for the elusive 18-year-old, five-star high school defensive end (Jackie Kay). Instead, he finds Raymond's dysfunctional family (Mira Sorvino, Rob Morgan, Brian Bosworth).
Is It Any Good?
College football fans will find some amusement in this sports personality-packed comedy, but Glen Owen's uneven recruitment tale grades out closer to redshirt than blue chip. Signing Tony Raymond is a tonal Yahtzee cup: It's sometimes heartfelt, sometimes wacky, sometimes slapstick, sometimes earnest. Much of that is due to the over-the-top antics of off-kilter Cousin Ronnie (Brad Carter), who doesn't seem to belong in this film; he takes it out of the zone of believability and yet is the best thing about it.
A former college athlete and sports documentary filmmaker, Owen leverages his background to assemble a deep bench of sports reporters and commentators, lending authenticity that will resonate with recruitniks. Football lovers will enjoy spotting all the real-life personalities reporting on Tony's story, as well as football stars Brian Bosworth and Marshawn Lynch in supporting roles. And there's an enthusiastic energy that comes through the screen that suggests filming it was a lot of fun. So even though for most viewers this comedy is likely a fumble, football fans may find just enough enjoyment to stay entertained between games.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Signing Tony Raymond glamorizes drinking. Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
What is humility, and how do each of the four main characters demonstrate it? Why is being humble an important character strength?
How can sports programs change lives, especially for people who come from challenging financial circumstances? And how have college sports changed financially for the athletes in recent years? Why did that change, and do you think it is for the better?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 16, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : March 3, 2026
- Cast : Michael Mosley , Rob Morgan , Mira Sorvino
- Director : Glen Owen
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Iconic Events Releasing
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories , Sports ( Football )
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 27, 2026
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