All the deaf roles are played by deaf actors.
Coach Pruitt, wrestling coach from Purdue, was played by Rich Franklin. In real life, Franklin fought Matt Hamill in UFC on September 6, 2008.
You can spot the real Jay as one of the Purdue Wrestlers.
You can spot Coach Cantrell, played by Eben Kostbar, in the final UFC scene with the real Matt Hamill.
The UFC scenes were shot at live UFC events.