In a move that has sports fans and documentary lovers buzzing, Netflix has officially released “The Underdog,” its highly anticipated original documentary chronicling the life and career of legendary former NFL quarterback Fran Tarkenton. Slated for release on April 25, 2025, the film dives deep into the storied career and personal life of one of the most electrifying players in football history—an athlete often celebrated not only for his skill but for his spirit, grit, and relentless will to defy the odds.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ezra Hall (The Final Drive, Gridiron Ghosts) and produced in collaboration with NFL Films, The Underdog is more than just a sports documentary—it’s a layered human story of perseverance, innovation, and redemption, told through archival footage, intimate interviews, and cinematic storytelling that puts viewers inside the huddle, on the field, and in the heart of one of football’s most enduring underdogs.
A Maverick on the Field
Fran Tarkenton’s name is etched into NFL lore not just for the records he set, but for the way he revolutionized the quarterback position. Known as the original “scrambler,” Tarkenton played 18 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings and briefly with the New York Giants. His unorthodox style—evading defenders with dazzling footwork and extending plays with his legs—redefined how the quarterback role could be executed.
When he retired in 1978, Tarkenton held multiple all-time NFL records, including most career passing yards (47,003), touchdowns (342), and wins by a starting quarterback (124). But as The Underdog points out, numbers only tell part of the story.
“He was a magician with a football,” says Terry Bradshaw in the film, “but he was also a guy who had to fight for every inch of respect he ever got.”
A Tale of Resilience
The Underdog opens not with highlights, but with grainy home footage from Tarkenton’s childhood in Athens, Georgia. Born the son of a Methodist minister, Tarkenton was never expected to become a professional athlete. He wasn’t the tallest, the strongest, or the fastest. But what he lacked in physical dominance, he made up for in sheer willpower and mental tenacity.
“He was told from the beginning that he couldn’t do it,” says Tarkenton’s daughter, Hayley, in the documentary. “Too small. Too wild. Too different. But that only made him more determined.”
The film chronicles his college career at the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship and earned a reputation for clutch play. Despite this, NFL scouts remained skeptical. Yet the Minnesota Vikings took a chance, selecting Tarkenton in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft. What followed was one of the most fascinating and unconventional careers in football history.
The Viking Years and Heartbreak
The emotional heart of the film revolves around Tarkenton’s time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team to three Super Bowl appearances (VIII, IX, and XI)—all of which ended in defeat. The Underdog doesn’t shy away from these painful moments. It leans into them.
“Losing three Super Bowls nearly broke me,” Tarkenton confesses in one of the film’s most candid interviews. “I started to believe maybe I really wasn’t good enough.”
Former teammates, including Hall of Famer Alan Page and coach Bud Grant, offer firsthand accounts of those years—both the highs of playoff runs and the crushing lows of falling just short of football’s ultimate prize.
“What people forget is we weren’t supposed to be there,” says Page. “Fran got us there. He carried us.”
The documentary juxtaposes these memories with never-before-seen locker room footage and sideline audio, giving viewers a visceral sense of what it was like to be in the trenches with Tarkenton—equal parts firebrand leader and cerebral tactician.
A Man Beyond Football
Where The Underdog truly shines is in its exploration of Tarkenton’s life beyond the gridiron. The film spends significant time on his post-NFL career as an entrepreneur, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. Tarkenton was one of the first athletes to successfully transition into business, founding multiple companies and becoming a tech entrepreneur before it was fashionable.
His ventures weren’t always successful—one company failed spectacularly in the early 1980s, costing millions—but the film portrays these setbacks as part of the same underdog spirit that defined his playing days.
“People called him reckless for how he played,” says director Ezra Hall in a promotional featurette. “But he was a visionary. Whether it was on the field or in business, he was always ahead of the curve.”
Hall also integrates Tarkenton’s personal journey—his struggles with fame, family, and faith. With poignant interviews from family members, friends, and even former rivals, the film paints a nuanced portrait of a man who was constantly reinventing himself.
Critical Reception and Fan Anticipation
Even before its official release, The Underdog has been generating serious awards buzz. Early screenings for critics and insiders have yielded rave reviews, with praise centered on the film’s storytelling depth and emotional weight.
The Hollywood Reporter called it “a transcendent sports documentary that hits as hard off the field as it does on it,” while Variety hailed it as “a masterclass in sports storytelling.” Sports fans, especially those from Minnesota, have flooded online forums and social media with excitement and nostalgia.
“I grew up watching Fran run for his life every Sunday,” one Reddit user wrote. “This is going to be a love letter to that era of football.”
Netflix’s decision to drop the film ahead of the NFL Draft also seems strategic. According to Netflix CMO Rebecca Hastings, the timing was deliberate:
“We wanted to release The Underdog when the spotlight is naturally on football’s future—so that we could reflect on one of the greatest stories from its past.”
Legacy and Cultural Impact
As The Underdog reminds us, Fran Tarkenton’s legacy is not measured by Super Bowl rings but by the doors he opened. His scrambling style laid the foundation for future generations of mobile quarterbacks—from Steve Young to Michael Vick to Patrick Mahomes.
“It’s impossible to watch today’s game and not see Fran in it,” says Mahomes in a surprise interview within the film. “He made it okay to improvise, to extend the play, to be different.”
Tarkenton’s impact is also cultural. He was one of the first NFL stars to speak candidly about mental health, long before it was widely accepted. His outspoken views on personal growth, failure, and success have resonated with athletes across generations.
In a particularly powerful moment near the film’s conclusion, Tarkenton reflects:
“I never saw myself as a champion. But maybe being the underdog meant I never stopped fighting. And maybe that’s what a champion really is.”
Final Thoughts
The Underdog is not just a documentary—it’s an experience. It invites viewers to relive the saga of a quarterback who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on football history. It’s a story of loss and resilience, risk and reward, and the unyielding spirit of someone who never stopped believing in himself—even when the world doubted him.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a student of sports history, or simply someone who loves a good story about perseverance, The Underdog is required viewing. As the NFL continues to evolve, Tarkenton’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the game’s roots—and the unlikely heroes who helped shape it.