The True Story Behind "Average Joe" Inspired Lead Actor Eric Close

The Christian performer calls the film one of "hope" and "redemption."

Eric Close and Amy Acker appear in a scene from "Average Joe." Image: GND Media Group/from Facebook.

Joe Kennedy made national headlines when he was fired from his job as a high school football coach in Washington State in 2015 for praying at midfield after games. He then fought for his First Amendment rights for years, ultimately winning at the United States Supreme Court in 2022. That is the story that Average Joe will bring to the big screen later this month.

And it is one that personally touched the man who will play Kennedy in the film, actor Eric Close. In an appearance together with the coach on a recent edition of Trinity Broadcasting Network's Huckabee show, Close - a committed Believer - stated that he was moved when he learned of Kennedy's journey and thinks this picture will have the same effect on the country at large.

"His story inspired me. And, you know, right now there seems to be a lot of division, and what's so great about this story is it's a story of hope, it's a story of redemption. And it's for all Americans to go see this film, and they will be inspired by this man's story and his courage to just persevere."

Close, who has starred in faith-based films like The Mulligan and Indivisible, is joined on screen by Amy Acker in the role of Kennedy's wife. The picture, directed by Christian filmmaker Harold Cronk of God's-Not-Dead fame, hits theaters on October 10th for an eight-day limited release. You can purchase tickets to a venue in your area via this link to the website of distributor Fathom Events, and the trailer below will give you a better feel for the movie in the meantime.