Evel Knievel

He's powered his Harley over autos, Mack trucks, snarling lions, seething infernos and plummeted headlong into a canyon. But if the mob has its way, his next incredible leap will land him six feet under. Death-defying legend Evel Knievel becomes a man-in-a-jam when crooks use his road show as a front to smuggle drugs. A stellar cast gives full-throttle support: Gene Kelly as a rummy bike mechanic, Red Buttons as a sleazy promoter, Leslie Nielsen as a murderous mobster and Lauren Hutton as a photographer who trades barbs - and hearts - with Evel. Throughout this high-speed adventure, Evel does things with a motorcycle that few - if any - can match, leaving pursuers in the dust...and breathless Viva Knievel! viewers in hog heaven.

Adam tries Evel Knievel's favorite sandwich, the Wop Chop, in Butte, Montana.

Writer Leigh Montville writes about the father of extreme sports, Evel Knievel, in his new book. He writes about one of Knievel's biggest stunts – jumping the Snake River Canyon – his legacy, and how he got his name.

Mike gives the backstory of a jacket once owned by daredevil, Evel Knievel.

ESPN Video: America's best daredevils pay homage to the legend.

ESPN Video: Welcome to Butte, Montana

ESPN Video: From Isiah Thomas to Evel Knievel, Adam Carolla and Bill Simmons share some of their most memorable run-ins with athletes.

This 4th of July, when you will probably be microwaving hot dogs because it s raining too much to grill outside, why not take a few moments to honor one of our country s greatest heroes: Evel Knievel. The man loved America so much he was willing to get on a motorcycle and jump 14 Greyhound buses without hesitation. That s more than many of us can say (I ll only jump like two buses for my country). Here are some choice Evel Knievel jumps embedded below. Have a safe 4th of July, everyone! (more )

Evel Knievel -- US Home Video Trailer from Warner Bros.

Rod Kimble (Samberg), a self-proclaimed stuntman, is convinced he has bravery in his blood. He's grown up believing he's the son of Evel Knievel's test-rider, a courageous stuntman who died in his prime. Rod is committed to fulfilling his father's legacy. Only problem is...he sucks! Rod lives at home with his loving mom Marie (Sissy Spacek), jerk of a stepfather Frank (Ian McShane) and nerdy stepbrother Kevin (Jorma Taccone). He doesn't have a job, and can usually be found doing stunts on his moped, attempting to jump over everything from milk trucks to public swimming pools. Rod and his team - Dave (Bill Hader), the mechanic; Rico (Danny McBride), the ramp builder and Kevin, the team manager/videographer - are inseparable. It's almost like they share a brain. When Rod's neighbor Denise (Isla Fisher) joins the team, the group's IQ virtually doubles. Rod remains optimistic in spite of the abuse he suffers from his stepfather. Frank has a penchant for beating the tar out of Rod, who just keeps coming back for more in the hopes of earning Frank's respect by besting him in one of their regular knock-down brawls. When Frank gets sick and needs a $50,000 operation, Rod attempts to raise the money by undertaking his biggest stunt ever - jumping 15 buses, one more than Evel Knievel himself ever dared. After all, he's got to get Frank all better so he can kick his ass!

Directed by Pixar co-founder and Disney Animation creative kingpin John Lasseter, 'Mater The Greater' is the second in a series of Cars shorts. Mater is a daredevil, dressed in a style resembling Evel Knievel. At the stadium, Mater attempts to jump a long line of cars, but instead merely tiptoes over them. Mater performs other stunts and he said Lightning failed to jump over Carburetor Canyon while strapped to a rocket.