The coach led his team to victory in the college football playoff, and now he's throwing his support behind this football-related Christian film.
Run the Race stars Tanner Stine and Evan Hofer as brothers struggling to cope with the death of their mother and abandonment by their father. The boys draw together and use their athletic abilities - on the track and football field - in an effort to better their circumstances.
This faith-based film, which was primarily shot in Alabama, is directed by Chris Dowling and features a strong supporting cast, including Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump), Kristoffer Polaha, Frances Fisher (Titanic) and Mario Van Peebles. It will debut nationwide this weekend.
Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney - an Alabama native - got an early preview. An outspoken believer - and the leader of reigning national champion Tigers - he says that because of his background, the movie "really resonated with me personally." But he is quick to add that you don't have to have a football background to be touched by it.
"Anybody who watches this movie will be really challenged, really challenged, because I think this movie portrays things that we all struggle with as human beings."
As a committed Christian, Swinney believes that the good news of the Gospel is at the heart of the movie.
"At the end of the day, it's a message of hope, and a hope that comes from knowing Christ as your savior."
Run the Race is executive produced by Tim Tebow, a Heisman Trophy-winning college football legend and perhaps the most prominent Christian athlete in America; he also has a cameo appearance as himself. For good measure, it features Eddie George as well: he won a Heisman Trophy while playing for Ohio State, so college football fans are bound to be drawn to this one.