TEAM SPIRIT Caan and Williams in the sorrowful ''Song''

Brian's Song: Everett Collection

#7 Brian's Song

Yes, it was made for TV. But, really, there's no way to omit Buzz Kulik's ultimate straight-male love story, the Emmy-winning true-life drama of Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams). Mirroring the less refined and even-more-dated ''Bang the Drum Slowly,'' this brief tale of two utter opposites whose on-field bond is only strengthened when one develops cancer has always been the tough guy's best excuse to get misty -- and to say ''I love you.''

KLEENEX MOMENT Sayers accepts a courage award by dedicating it to his stricken friend: ''I love Brian Piccolo. And I'd like all of you to love him, too. And tonight when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.'' Touchdown.