A historical TV series drawn from real events.
It is 1899, just 34 years after the Civil War ended, and yellow fever has swept across the Southeast — hitting the College of the South, Sewanee University in Tennessee, especially hard. Yet the Sewanee Tigers football team pulled off something so remarkable that it has never been matched since. With Sewanee University on the edge of bankruptcy, its scrappy football squad becomes the school's only hope, and they take on a mission that seems impossible. Down to just 13 players and abandoned by their head coach, the Tigers set out on a punishing 2,500-mile trek to face five seemingly unbeatable opponents in six days: Texas, Texas A&M, Tulane, LSU and Ole Miss — all giants of the gridiron. The Tigers shut out every one of them, and this young squad went on to finish a 12-0 season against the South's strongest programs. The underdog team beat them all without conceding a single point — except against Auburn, coached by the legendary John Heisman, which still managed only 10 points in a loss to the Tigers. This gripping series tells the legend of the Sewanee Iron Men of '99.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iron Men of '99 about?
Iron Men of '99 is a historical TV series drawn from real events. Set in 1899, it follows the Sewanee Tigers football team as they take on five games in six days against Texas, Texas A&M, Tulane, LSU and Ole Miss in a bid to rescue their university from bankruptcy.
Is the series based on a true story?
Yes. It is presented as a historical TV series drawn from real events, centered on the Sewanee Tigers' 1899 season and their legendary road trip.
Which teams did the Sewanee Tigers face on the road trip?
As the story goes, the Tigers covered roughly 2,500 miles to face Texas, Texas A&M, Tulane, LSU and Ole Miss within six days.
How many players did the team have?
The story focuses on a squad of just 13 players, whose head coach had departed before the journey began.
Where can I learn more about the series?
Browse the Synopsis, Creative Team, Leading Characters and Gallery pages, or reach out through the Contact Us page with any questions.
Gallery
From the opening whistle of the 1899 season to the final shutout, Iron Men of '99 follows a team that refused to quit. Use the navigation above to read the full synopsis, meet the creative team and leading characters, or browse the gallery for a closer look at the series.