On May 16, 2025, The Star in Frisco, Texas, will be the stage for the national premiere of The Kentucky Cowboy, an award-winning documentary about former professional athlete Chris Thieneman. This premiere, however, is not only a film debut; it marks the official launch of The PostGame Project, a national initiative aimed at shedding light on the mental and emotional pressures faced by high performers across all walks of life.
Timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, the premiere sets the tone for a broader conversation about the emotional costs of high expectations. The PostGame Project seeks to address the often-unseen challenges that people in demanding roles (whether athletes, business leaders, parents, or anyone under constant pressure to succeed) face daily.
Chris Thieneman’s story is at the heart of the documentary. The film chronicles his journey from childhood through his professional football career, including his time with the Dallas Cowboys, and the continued struggles he faced long after leaving the game. The premiere at The Star is especially poignant, offering a full-circle moment as Thieneman’s personal and professional pressures, explored in the documentary, align with the very location where many of his football dreams took shape.
The evening will offer a multimedia experience blending the film, music, and mission. The focus will be on creatively highlighting the need for understanding, recognition, and support for those carrying burdens that others may never see.
