In a move that’s already igniting excitement across the sports world, Netflix has officially announced the release of its latest original documentary, “The Underdog,” a powerful exploration of the life and legacy of Tennessee Volunteers football legend and NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White. The highly anticipated film is set to premiere globally on April 25, 2025.
Best known as one of the most dominant defensive forces in football history, Reggie White’s path to greatness was as inspiring as it was improbable. “The Underdog” peels back the layers on White’s remarkable journey—from his humble beginnings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to becoming a revered figure in both college football and the NFL. This documentary promises to go beyond his on-field accolades, shining a light on the man, the mission, and the message that defined him.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jordan Carter, “The Underdog” is described as a deeply human story of resilience, faith, and purpose. “Reggie White was more than a football player—he was a movement,” Carter said in a press release. “This documentary explores how a young man who grew up with a dream became one of the most respected and feared athletes in sports, while never losing sight of who he was and what he believed in.”
At the University of Tennessee, Reggie White became a legend. Nicknamed the “Minister of Defense” for his fiery sermons off the field and his fierce play on it, White terrorized offenses during his time with the Volunteers. His senior season in 1983 remains one of the most dominant in school history, earning him SEC Player of the Year honors and the admiration of an entire fanbase.
The film includes rare archival footage from his college days in Knoxville, interviews with former coaches, teammates, friends, and family members, and personal reflections from those who knew him best. It also explores how White’s deep Christian faith shaped not only his playing style but his broader purpose in life—making him a role model far beyond the game.
Following a storied college career, White went on to dominate the NFL, first with the Philadelphia Eagles, then the Green Bay Packers, where he won a Super Bowl in 1997. Over his 15-year career, he amassed 198 sacks (second all-time at his retirement), was named to 13 Pro Bowls, and earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors twice. He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
But “The Underdog” doesn’t just tell the story of athletic triumph. It also examines White’s activism, his leadership in the community, and the challenges he faced—both as a Black athlete in the South and as a public figure walking the line between fame and faith. The documentary presents a balanced portrait of a man who carried immense weight on his shoulders, not just from quarterbacks, but from expectations, faith, and responsibility.
Netflix released a stirring trailer alongside the announcement, showcasing White’s devastating tackles, emotional speeches, and moments of spiritual reflection. In one powerful scene, White is seen addressing a group of young athletes: “If all you ever become is a football player, you’ve missed the point.”
Early reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans, former teammates, and sports commentators have taken to social media to express their excitement, calling it “long overdue” and “a tribute to a true icon.” ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit tweeted, “Reggie White was one of a kind. Can’t wait to watch The Underdog. He was a hero on and off the field.”
With its April 25 release date fast approaching, “The Underdog” looks set to join the ranks of must-watch sports documentaries—offering not just a look at a football legend, but at a man who used his platform to inspire, uplift, and change lives.
For Volunteers fans, football lovers, and anyone drawn to powerful stories of faith and perseverance, “The Underdog” is not just a documentary—it’s a legacy brought to life.