In a move that’s already generating major buzz among sports historians and football fans alike, Netflix has officially announced the release date for “The Underdog,” a new original documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Guy Chamberlin — a Nebraska Cornhuskers icon and one of the early pioneers of professional football. The film is set to premiere globally on July 4, 2025, perfectly timed to celebrate a classic American underdog story on Independence Day.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava Martinez and produced in collaboration with NFL Films, “The Underdog” promises an in-depth, cinematic portrayal of Chamberlin’s unlikely rise from Blue Springs, Nebraska, to becoming a five-time NFL champion and Hall of Famer, whose impact on the game continues to resonate a century later.
A Forgotten Legend, Remembered
Though Chamberlin is often overlooked in mainstream sports conversations, historians consider him one of the most successful coaches in NFL history by winning percentage and one of the original architects of team-based football excellence. The documentary aims to restore his rightful place in American sports history.
“This isn’t just a football story — it’s a story of grit, perseverance, and unshakeable leadership,” said Martinez. “Chamberlin’s journey from a farm boy in rural Nebraska to one of the most dominant figures in early football is nothing short of remarkable.”
The film draws from previously unreleased archival footage, handwritten letters, personal journals, and never-before-seen interviews with Chamberlin’s descendants, football scholars, and former Cornhuskers players.
A Nebraska Hero
Chamberlin starred at the University of Nebraska in the early 1910s, where he made a name for himself as a relentless two-way player. His toughness and intelligence later made him a standout in the fledgling National Football League, where he won championships with four different teams — including the Canton Bulldogs and Frankford Yellow Jackets.
In Nebraska, Chamberlin’s legacy still looms large. Local screenings are being planned in Lincoln and Blue Springs, with the University of Nebraska reportedly hosting a symposium on his contributions to college football in conjunction with the release.
Star-Studded Production
Narrated by actor Kevin Costner — a longtime supporter of Midwest stories and sports films — the documentary features commentary from football legends including Tom Osborne, Peyton Manning, and Bill Belichick, as well as rare interviews with sports historian Dr. Susan Hargrove, who has long advocated for Chamberlin’s recognition on a national scale.
The soundtrack, composed by Oscar-winner Hildur Guðnadóttir, aims to capture both the nostalgia and the tension of Chamberlin’s turbulent career through the Roaring Twenties and Great Depression era.
Coming to Screens This Summer
Netflix’s decision to release the film on July 4 is symbolic. Chamberlin, a war veteran and small-town patriot, embodied values that many still associate with the American spirit — determination, humility, and resilience.
“The Underdog” will be available for streaming worldwide on Netflix starting July 4, 2025, with select limited theatrical screenings across Nebraska, New York, and Los Angeles.