Barefoot Bobby Briggs is arrested for his role in a fatally botched armed robbery of an Austin convenience store. When he is convicted and sentenced to die, the career of one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of pro football has ended.

Nine years later, Bobby’s appeals have all but run out, and the Austin Steers are – once again – on the march to the Mega Bowl, when their star wide receiver incurs a season-ending injury. With their playoff hopes in shambles, the Governor of Texas controversially offers Bobby a furlough from Death Row to help rescue the Steers’ postseason hopes.