The series is based on the manga series of the same name written by and illustrated. The series is directed by and produced by, and The plot of the episodes follows, a student who becomes an American football player against his desire but eventually becomes the star of the team, wearing an eyeshield to protect his identity. Episodes 73 between 145 of Eyeshield 21 aired from September 6, 2006 to March 19, 2008 on TV Tokyo. The episodes were later released in eighteen DVD compilations between January 26, 2007 and June 25, 2008. The series use seven pieces of: three opening and four ending themes. The opening themes are 'Dang Dang' by, used for the first thirty-one episodes, 'Blaze Line' by, used from episode 104 to 136, and 'Honoo no Running back' ( 炎のランニングバック, lit.