Netflix continues its foray into the rich world of sports storytelling with the upcoming release of “The Underdog: Kevin O’Connell’s Rise,” a feature-length documentary chronicling the journey of Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. Slated to premiere on May 3, 2025, the film takes a deep dive into the transformation of a former journeyman quarterback into one of the most promising head coaches in the NFL today.Produced in collaboration with NFL Films and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Reggie Barnett (All or Nothing: Titans, Sidelines), the documentary offers viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into O’Connell’s unconventional path to football prominence, his leadership in Minnesota, and the deeply personal story that shaped his coaching philosophy.
Far from just a highlight reel, “The Underdog” explores the relentless pursuit of purpose in a cutthroat industry—where every decision is scrutinized, every game could define a legacy, and where leadership means more than playbooks and press conferences.
From the Shadows to the Spotlight
Before Kevin O’Connell became a household name among Vikings fans, he was just another name in the long list of backup quarterbacks floating through NFL rosters. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft, O’Connell’s playing career was, by many standards, unremarkable. But the documentary argues that it was that very experience—riding benches, absorbing systems, seeing the game from the sidelines—that made him who he is today.
“There’s value in being overlooked,” O’Connell says in the film’s opening moments. “You learn to listen more. You learn to lead quietly.”
The Underdog uses extensive archival footage from O’Connell’s college days at San Diego State, clips of preseason Patriots games, and rare interviews from his time on the rosters of the Lions, Jets, and Chargers. Former teammates, including Matt Cassel and Brian Hoyer, reflect on O’Connell’s cerebral approach and locker room presence, even when he wasn’t starting.
“Everyone knew he wasn’t just there to throw a ball,” Hoyer remarks. “He was already thinking like a coach.”
The Making of a Coach
O’Connell’s pivot from quarterback to coach came swiftly. The film traces his early stints as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with teams like the Browns and Washington before his big break came under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams. It was in L.A. that O’Connell’s offensive acumen truly shined, helping guide the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022.
Sean McVay, interviewed extensively for the documentary, describes O’Connell as “one of the smartest football minds I’ve ever worked with—period.” Viewers are given access to coaching meetings, sideline conversations, and game-day preparations during O’Connell’s final season with the Rams. The mentorship under McVay becomes a key chapter in the story, one of iron sharpening iron.
“What stood out was Kevin’s empathy,” McVay says. “He doesn’t just understand players. He feels them. That’s rare.”
Taking the Helm in Minnesota
When O’Connell was named head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, the team was at a crossroads—coming off a middling season and looking for a fresh start. The documentary picks up steam here, with Netflix cameras embedded during his first full season in charge.
The access is unprecedented. Fans are taken into training camps, strategy sessions, and even intimate moments at home with O’Connell and his family. His leadership style is shown to be collaborative, calm, and quietly intense—a sharp contrast to some of the louder coaching personalities the league is used to.
“You don’t have to scream to be heard,” O’Connell says during one scene. “You just have to show up—consistently.”
The documentary highlights his first-year success, including a 13–4 regular season record in 2022, a NFC North division title, and an overtime thriller against the Colts that became the biggest comeback win in NFL history. Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and other key Vikings players offer thoughtful insights into the culture shift O’Connell brought with him.
“He made us believe again,” says Cousins. “But more importantly, he made us accountable to each other.”
Off the Field: Family, Faith, and Foundation
The Underdog takes time to humanize its subject, offering a look at Kevin O’Connell not just as a coach, but as a husband, father, and mentor. Viewers meet his wife, Leah, and their four children, whose lives are also deeply impacted by the NFL rollercoaster.
In a touching sequence, O’Connell discusses the challenges of balancing fatherhood with the immense demands of leading an NFL franchise. “Being present at home makes me better on the field,” he says. “Because leadership starts with how you love.”
The film also touches on his faith and personal values, which have played a quiet but constant role in his journey. O’Connell speaks openly about his early struggles with confidence and purpose, and how the challenges of his playing career gave him the resilience needed to lead men at the highest level.
Facing Doubt and Defying Expectations
Of course, no story titled “The Underdog” would be complete without trials. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the pressure and criticism O’Connell has faced, especially during tough losses and postseason disappointments. The Vikings’ 2023 and 2024 seasons are portrayed with honesty—highlighting roster challenges, close losses, and injuries that threatened to derail team momentum.
Social media backlash, sports talk criticism, and the pressure of carrying a proud franchise are all addressed head-on.
“There were games where I felt like I failed everyone,” O’Connell admits in one particularly raw interview. “But the job isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building something that lasts.”
This part of the film may resonate most with fans and aspiring leaders alike, offering a nuanced portrait of perseverance, leadership under fire, and the quiet strength required to weather storms in the public eye.
Critical Buzz and Anticipation
Even before its release, The Underdog is generating buzz from critics and NFL insiders. Early reviews describe it as “emotionally rich,” “unexpectedly vulnerable,” and “a new standard for modern sports documentaries.”
The Hollywood Reporter praised the film’s “cinematic quality and emotional weight,” while NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah tweeted, “Kevin O’Connell’s story is every bit as inspiring as the comeback games he’s coached. This is a must-watch.”
Netflix has announced that the release will be accompanied by a special live premiere event in Minneapolis, featuring a Q&A with O’Connell, director Reggie Barnett, and several current and former Vikings players.
A Story Still Being Written
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of “The Underdog” is its acknowledgment that Kevin O’Connell’s story is far from over. He’s not riding into the sunset or reflecting on a finished legacy. He’s still coaching, still evolving, and still trying to bring the Lombardi Trophy to Minnesota—a feat the franchise has never accomplished.
In the final scene of the film, O’Connell walks onto the empty field at U.S. Bank Stadium as snow falls lightly around him. His voice narrates:
“You don’t have to be a legend to lead. You just have to keep showing up, keep serving, and keep believing in something bigger than yourself.”
Final Thoughts
With “The Underdog,” Netflix once again delivers a powerful, layered, and human portrait of an NFL figure whose story transcends wins and losses. Kevin O’Connell is not just a rising coaching star—he’s a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and leading with purpose.
This isn’t just a football documentary. It’s a leadership manual. A character study. And above all, it’s a reminder that underdogs aren’t defined by where they start—but by how they rise.