Kenny Chesney Gives Alma Mater Sneak Peek at ‘Boys of Fall’

Kenny Chesney's 'Boys of Fall' football documentary will premiere this Sunday, August 29, on ESPN. While millions of fans have been waiting on the edge of their seats to see the film, Kenny chose a privileged few to see the film early -- his alma mater's football team.

Surprising the teammates at Gibbs High School in Knoxville, Tenn., Kenny had a few words of advice for the athletes. "You all grew up just like us," Kenny said (quote via VolunteerTV.com.) "You drive the same road we drove, you obviously played on the same football field we played on and walked through the same halls, so it's really a special time for me to come here and play you guys this. A game we all love."

'Boys of Fall' is just one of many projects Kenny's been hard at work on since taking a break from the road. After spending several years as the headliner of one of the highest-grossing tours of any genre, Kenny made the surprising decision about a year ago to park his tour bus for a while. But instead of kicking back on an island, the multi-platinum-selling artist made a live concert DVD, 'Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D' and then immediately began work on 'The Boys of Fall.' But, according to Kenny, the football documentary was much more than just a way to pass the time. "I feel a responsibility to myself -- the self that was that kid," he explains. "I want a sophomore in high school to take away wanting to be the best player, the best friend, the best person he can be. Football emulates life. You get knocked down, but it's how you get up and handle it that's important."

'The Boys of Fall' includes interviews with football greats such as Peyton Manning, Bill Parcells and Bobby Bowden, as well as an introduction by the coach of Super Bowl champions New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton. Kenny's current single, 'The Boys of Fall,' which was the catalyst for the documentary, is currently in the Top Ten on the country singles charts. The song is the first single off Kenny's upcoming album, 'Hemingway's Whiskey,' which is due in stores September 28.