Netflix has just dropped the trailer and official release date for “The Underdog,” a compelling new sports documentary spotlighting the incredible journey of Michigan Wolverines football legend Daniel Wolf. Slated for global release on May 10, the film has already stirred major buzz in the sports world and beyond, with early viewers calling it a raw, emotional, and inspiring tribute to one of college football’s most overlooked stars.
Daniel Wolf, though never the flashiest name on the field, has long been regarded by fans and insiders as one of the most influential and quietly heroic figures in Michigan football history. Known for his gritty playing style, unwavering leadership, and a comeback story worthy of Hollywood, Wolf’s career—and the challenges he overcame off the field—form the heart of “The Underdog.”
A Story of Resilience, Heart, and Legacy
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava Dalton (“Heart of the Game,” “Fourth and Inches”), the documentary dives deep into Wolf’s rise from a two-star recruit out of Flint, Michigan, to becoming the emotional and strategic cornerstone of the Wolverines’ resurgence in the early 2010s. The film follows his tumultuous journey through injuries, personal loss, media doubt, and institutional hurdles—all while captaining one of the most storied programs in NCAA history.
“This isn’t just a football story,” Dalton said in a press release. “It’s about grit. It’s about what happens when the spotlight doesn’t find you, and you still show up every single day to do something bigger than yourself.”
Never-Before-Seen Footage and Personal Revelations
“The Underdog” features rare behind-the-scenes footage from inside the Wolverines’ locker room, practice sessions, and sideline moments that captured the heart and soul of the team during Wolf’s tenure. It also includes deeply personal interviews with Wolf himself, his family, former teammates, coaches, and sports journalists who witnessed his evolution firsthand.
For the first time, Wolf opens up on camera about his struggles with mental health, the pressures of representing a state hit hard by economic hardship, and how his identity as a first-generation college student shaped his relentless work ethic.
“I never cared about being the best on the highlight reel,” Wolf says in one emotional segment. “I cared about being the guy my teammates could count on. That was my job. That was my legacy.”
A Cast of Voices and a Cultural Moment
The film also features commentary from NFL legends like Tom Brady and Charles Woodson, both Michigan alumni, as well as contemporary Wolverines like J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum, who credit Wolf as a major influence.
Sportscasters and analysts, including Rece Davis and Desmond Howard, weigh in on why Wolf’s contributions to the game—and his legacy at Michigan—have often been underestimated by the broader public.
“This is a guy who never had the Heisman hype, but who played every single down like it was his last,” Howard says in the film. “If you’re talking heart, if you’re talking leadership—Wolf was that guy.”
A Timely Release
With college football culture still riding high off major playoff expansions and NIL rule changes, “The Underdog” arrives at a moment when fans are re-evaluating what true greatness looks like. Not every legend comes with five stars or national commercials. Some come with bruises, loyalty, and years of hard-earned respect.
The timing of the release also coincides with Michigan’s annual Spring Game and a special commemorative event honoring Daniel Wolf at The Big House, expected to draw thousands of fans and alumni.
Streaming May 10 on Netflix
Whether you’re a die-hard Wolverines fan, a lover of sports documentaries, or just someone in need of a powerful underdog story, “The Underdog” promises to deliver a gripping, heartfelt experience. Netflix has confirmed the documentary will be available to stream worldwide beginning May 10, 2025.