New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Keanu Reeves Revisits The Replacements New Heights Film Club

October 17, 2025

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  • Keanu Reeves detailed the rigorous, three-week training camp he underwent to convincingly portray quarterback Shane Falco in *The Replacements*, including learning quarterback-center dynamics and experiencing the cold reception of being treated like a real player after an on-field mistake. 
  • Reeves shared that working with Gene Hackman was a positive experience, describing him as a gentleman, a hero, and a no-nonsense professional who was generous with his time. 
  • The hosts and Keanu Reeves concluded that current NFL quarterback Gardner Minshew is the modern-day equivalent of Shane Falco due to his laid-back, high-vibe personality and unconventional lifestyle choices. 

Segments

Film Club Introduction and Guest Reveal
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(00:00:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The New Heights Film Club segment features Keanu Reeves to revisit the 2000 film The Replacements.
  • Summary: The episode opens the New Heights Film Club segment, sponsored by Reese’s Pumpkins, welcoming Keanu Reeves. The discussion centers on revisiting his classic 2000 football film, The Replacements. The hosts confirm they will discuss Reeves’ experience playing Shane Falco, training camp life, and working with Gene Hackman.
Reeves’ Quarterback Preparation
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(00:03:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Reeves trained with ex-NFL quarterback T.J. Rubley and participated in a three-week camp to learn fundamentals, footwork, and the quarterback-center relationship.
  • Summary: Reeves noted his quarterback experience began with Point Break and involved learning fundamentals from Rick Neuheisel. For The Replacements, he worked extensively on footwork with ex-NFL quarterback T.J. Rubley. He experienced two-a-day practices in Baltimore heat and learned the importance of the quarterback-center dynamic, including cadence calls.
On-Set Football Realism
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(00:07:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Reeves experienced the genuine pressure of NFL play, receiving silent disapproval from cast members after missing a throw twice.
  • Summary: Reeves received the ‘full quarterback treatment’ when he missed a crossing route throw in practice; after missing twice, the players stopped offering encouragement, signaling he was being treated like a real player facing scrutiny. He also learned how to hold for a field goal snap, which he described as a difficult talent. He avoided major hits, as the professional players were instructed not to injure the actor.
Working with Co-Stars
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(00:10:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Gene Hackman was a professional, generous gentleman who demanded preparedness on set, while John Madden was described as a quiet, sweet man with huge hands.
  • Summary: Reeves praised Gene Hackman as a hero and a total pro who was generous and knew his lines, not suffering those who weren’t prepared. He also met legends Pat Summerall and John Madden on set, describing Madden as a sweetie pie who was quiet and low-key despite his imposing size.
Underdog Mentality and Scab Discussion
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(00:13:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason Kelsey admitted he would have been a scab player during the 2011 NFL lockout because he was a rookie trying to pay off student loans.
  • Summary: The hosts reflected on the movie’s famous quote about glory lasting forever, contrasting it with Jason Kelsey’s lingering back issues. When discussing the scab players, Kelsey confirmed he would have played during the 2011 strike as a rookie who needed the income to pay off student loans.
Shane Falco’s NFL Equivalent
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(00:17:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Both hosts and Keanu Reeves agreed that Gardner Minshew is the current NFL player who best embodies the spirit and persona of Shane Falco.
  • Summary: The group named Gardner Minshew as the modern-day Shane Falco, citing his laid-back, high-vibe ecosystem and unconventional living situations, such as living on a bus for an offseason. They felt Minshew’s persona was almost a reincarnation of Falco’s character.