Gus

The California Atoms are introduced as a struggling football team based in Los Angeles, known for their dismal performance in the league. Under the misguided leadership of Coach Venner, they fail to secure any wins, leaving them at the bottom of the rankings while their cheerleaders and marching band fail to inspire the fans.

Debbie, the team owner's secretary, stumbles upon a story in a Yugoslavian newspaper about an extraordinary mule named Gus, known for his remarkable kicking ability. This revelation sparks a bold idea in owner Hank Cooper's mind to enhance the entertainment value of their halftime show and possibly reverse the team's fortunes.

Determined to fetch Gus, Debbie travels to Yugoslavia, where she meets Andy Petrovic, the young owner of the mule. Despite facing pressure from his family’s soccer legacy, Andy understands the potential Gus has for success, and they bond over their shared goal of bringing Gus to Los Angeles.

Back in Los Angeles, Hank Cooper finds himself in deep gambling debt to unsavory bookmakers Charles Gwynn and Cal Wilson. When he admits he cannot pay, they present him with an ultimatum: if the Atoms win the Super Bowl, he will be off the hook, but if they lose, the consequences will be dire.

The Atoms kick off their season with a game that seems destined for failure, but everything changes at halftime when Gus appears and demonstrates his incredible kicking skill. The crowd is amazed, and Andy makes the strategic decision to involve Gus in play, leading them into the second half with newfound hope.

With Gus's success on the field, the Atoms begin to win games, climbing the ranks and surprising everyone. Gus's unique ability, combined with Andy's guidance, transforms the team into a formidable force in the league, lifting the spirits of both the players and the fans.

As Gus and Andy develop their successful partnership, Debbie oversees their training sessions. During this time, a romantic connection begins to blossom between Debbie and Andy, with Gus playing a crucial role in encouraging their relationship through his antics.

Frustrated by the Atoms' unexpected success, Gwynn and Wilson recruit two bumbling crooks, Crankcase and Spinner, to sabotage the team. Their interference leads to a series of mishaps, including one game where they trick Andy and Gus into getting lost, resulting in a devastating defeat.

In an attempt to further undermine the team, Spinner manages to spike Gus's water with alcohol, rendering the mule unable to perform effectively during a crucial game. This comical setback highlights the lengths the bookmakers will go to stop the Atoms from succeeding, putting them in jeopardy.

Despite a few losses, the Atoms reach the playoffs, and Andy begins to gain fame, although his family back in Yugoslavia remains unimpressed. Amidst rising tensions, Spinner and Crankcase concoct a lie to manipulate Andy into thinking Debbie is hurt, trapping him in a hospital room while the team struggles without him.

With Andy unable to lead the team during a critical playoff game, Debbie dons Andy's uniform and steps up to guide Gus. With her encouragement, Gus manages to score a winning field goal, although the crowd mistakenly believes it was Andy who made the play, complicating the situation further.

As the Atoms advance to the Super Bowl, Spinner and Crankcase escalate their sabotage efforts by kidnapping Gus right before the big game. Their scheme nearly derails the team's dreams, but Gus's instinct kicks in when he sees the Super Bowl on television, and he escapes just in time.

In a harrowing race against time, Andy and Cooper fly in a helicopter, searching for Gus. After a dramatic reunion, Gus takes the field, leading to a thrilling comeback for the Atoms; however, a slip causes him to miss a crucial kick, adding to the tension of the game.

In a moment of quick thinking, Gus improvises and passes the ball to Andy, who dashes 95 yards to score the game-winning touchdown. This unforgettable play solidifies Andy's status as a hero, while Gus, the real star, takes a step back into the background amidst the celebration.

As the dust settles from the game, Cooper expresses his admiration for Gus, comforting him after initially missing the kick. The film ends on a bittersweet note with Debbie and Gus sharing a knowing glance, acknowledging Gus’s invaluable contributions while leaving the field to celebrate their unexpected victory.