One of the better in a series of ABC sports movies put together in the late 70s / early 80s. The fairly routine comeback story is enlivened by the now-deceased but highly likable Urich, who is especially poignant given his own personal tragedy, which mirrors Bleier's unexpected health setbacks. The training sequences are particularly effective and memorable; Urich was well cast and up to the demanding athletic requirements. A little less tearjerking than Something For Joey, a little less relevant and socially conscious than Brian's Song, Fighting Back still belongs in the same mold. Not very groundbreaking but ultimately entertaining and better than most TV-movies thanks to Urich, who is very sympathetic.
