Netflix has just announced the release date of its latest sports documentary, “The Underdog,” chronicling the extraordinary life and career of Johnny Rodgers, one of college football’s most electrifying and controversial figures. The film will debut globally on the streaming platform on May 15, and early previews suggest it could be one of Netflix’s most impactful sports documentaries to date.
Rodgers, often nicknamed “The Jet,” became a national sensation in the early 1970s as a wide receiver and return specialist for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His game-breaking speed, agility, and flair on the field helped redefine the role of the modern receiver and special teams player. In 1972, he earned the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Cornhusker to receive the honor.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay and produced in collaboration with ESPN Films, “The Underdog” goes beyond highlight reels. The documentary delves into Rodgers’ complex life story — from his humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, and a controversial early arrest, to his eventual redemption and transformation into a beloved sports icon and philanthropist.
“Johnny Rodgers’ story is about more than football,” DuVernay said in a statement. “It’s about race, resilience, fame, and the power of second chances. He didn’t just break tackles — he broke barriers.”
The film features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive interviews with former teammates and coaches, and commentary from sports historians, including Cornhuskers legend Tom Osborne and Heisman contemporaries. Viewers will also get a personal look at Rodgers’ life after football, including his battle with health issues and his ongoing work with at-risk youth through the Johnny Rodgers Youth Foundation.
Netflix executives have high hopes for “The Underdog,” calling it “a vital addition to the canon of sports documentaries that champion perseverance, legacy, and the complicated journey of becoming a legend.”
Early reactions from critics at private screenings have been overwhelmingly positive, with some calling it “the Last Dance of college football.” Nebraska fans, meanwhile, are already buzzing across social media, where the trailer — released just this morning — has garnered hundreds of thousands of views within hours.
With its mix of gritty storytelling, heartfelt introspection, and sports nostalgia, “The Underdog” promises to captivate both football die-hards and casual viewers alike when it premieres next week.