Not For Luke: The Story of BYU's Most Prolific Running Back

A student documentary about Luke Staley for our senior journalism capstone at Brigham Young University.

Produced by:
Riley Lewis
Cody Meredith
Justin Reeder
Styler Street

Director of Photography/Editor: Justin Reeder

Special Thanks: Robert Walz

Game footage courtesy of BYUtv
Photos courtesy of BYU Photo

Music:

"Second Class Citizen"
"The Time to Run"
"After Christmas"
"From Truth"

"Loop 1"
"Loop 15"

"Truth to Tell" by Big Score Audio

"Tempest" by Rob Oxenbridge

"Better Days" by Ben Sound

"Afterglow" by Chris White

"Don't Leave" by unLatem

[jameshughm]

I'll never forget what it was like to go to the stadium as a kid and watch Luke Staley run the football. I used to get chills when he'd get the carry and the entire stadium erupted with,

[DonLounsbury]

Still remember sitting in the stands at Mississippi State with my father and my son when Luke went down on his last BYU play. My heart broke for him because he'd already had more than his fair share of injuries. You were the best Luke. Watching you play made my life better. You personified the expression, "He left it all out there on the field."

[michaelrowan]

That is my brother and I at 14:30 waiting to get an autograph from Luke ( we came all the way from california. forgive my red shirt. i have a blue sweatshirt around my waste that I was wearing). I don't remember much about BYU football before this time. Those memories are too old. My earliest memories of BYU football are LUKE STALEY. Cougar nation loves Luke Staley!

[livewithinyourmeans-hv]

You don't have to agree with me, but it is my personal opinion that Luke Staley is the most talented athlete to ever suit up for the Cougars. He had the heart of a lion, combined with a God given talent for pounding the rock. He had a determination and desire to win at all costs, that I have never seen in any other collegiate athlete in any sport. He literally sacrificed his body for his team, and his fans. It is a shame that he was not better cared for by the medical staff that was in charge of his health. However, he has a legacy that he can be proud of, and he will always be considered one of college footballs greatest running backs. Thank you for making all of those games so enjoyable to watch Luke. I am sorry it has cost you so much.

[draperdistrict]

Most exciting player ever at BYU. I'll never forget it.

[ryanedwardswapp]

Thanks Luke. I grew up going to BYU games with my dad. Still a huge fan today. I was at BYU the same time you were - we're the same age. You were magical. Thanks for your sacrifice. BYU loves you.

[musicmanever]

my favorite byu athlete of all time. He was the real deal

[jccody]

Legend. I remember where I was sitting during that Utah game where he took over. He will always go down in BYU infamy and I'm not sure a running back will ever come through Provo and mirror or eclipse what he did in 2001. He was my idol as a kid, I remember thinking, if only I could be like Luke Staley. His history is etched in BYU lore and will not nor never be erased. Thanks Luke!

[Brigmac]

Wish you the nothing but the best Luke! You look like you were probably in physical pain during the interview. You are a stud and may God continue to bless you and your family with what you stand in need of. Much Love brother

[dougevans]

Extremely well done, and a tremendous tribute to a player and person with the heart of a Lion - woulda coulda shoulda, BUT definitely one of THE best to play the position!

[terryherrera]

I really watched BYU Football 🏈 because of Staley !! So powerful n Athletic !!
Wish he could have made a life in the nfl !

[PaultheCanadian]

Luke you were one of the great players at BYU. I appreciated watching you play. I wish you the best!

[randjlewis]

Great documentary! These students did a class job! Well done! Luke should be so proud that these 4 students chose to do their senior project about him, especially since they were just young kids when they saw him play at BYU. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this documentary!

[Slugger]

Really great production here. I've been a BYU fan since I was an impressionable 13-yr old kid watching an undersized but overachieving Ty Detmer rack up yards and TDs but nothing compares to Luke Staley. Knowing how extraordinary he was and how his injuries took their toll is one of the truly most magnificent yet heart wrenching stories in sports. He was a phenomenal athlete. Sadly, Taysom Hill's story and persona are very similar. All the best to Luke. Thanks for the awesome memories.

[albertsalazar]

I played college football until my body could not recover. Thanks for this documentary on a great human being in Luke. I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down. He is a great example of resilience and being a great husband and father…life after the gridiron

[NelsonSam]

Thank you Luke! I remember looking forward to my Saturdays so I could watch this man dominate. One in a million.
Great video. Well done.

[brentmacey]

I officiated Luke Staley's football games at Tualatin HS. Offensively and defensively he was amazing. As a defensive back, he would get pick sixes frequently. Ran like the wind.

[coachp]

Baddest white RB ever I loved him at BYU I was mad af he got hurt!He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball

[snaptackle]

Amazing athlete. An absolute beast on the field. 2001 was special because of him.

[HJBR]

My H.S. (Silverton) was in the same league as Luke (Tualatin) he was an absolute beast. Was an honor to play against him, and was so happy to see how well he did at BYU