In a move that has already set social media ablaze and stirred fans of college football and the NFL alike, Netflix has announced the release of a new original sports documentary titled “The Underdog,” focusing on the extraordinary life and career of Tennessee Volunteers legend and NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White. Slated for release this fall, the documentary promises to dive deep into the powerful legacy of the man known as “The Minister of Defense.”
This long-overdue tribute is set to become one of the most poignant and influential sports documentaries of the year, blending previously unseen archival footage, personal interviews, and dramatic reenactments to paint a vivid portrait of a man who transcended sports.
The Voice of the Underdog
Netflix unveiled the project during its annual “Fall First Look” event, where “The Underdog” was introduced with a striking trailer narrated by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington. The trailer opens with grainy footage of Neyland Stadium, packed with fans and painted in Tennessee orange, as Washington’s voice intones:
“He wasn’t supposed to be great. He wasn’t born with silver cleats. But Reggie White didn’t need permission to become a legend.”
In those first 90 seconds, the tone is set: this isn’t just a football documentary — it’s a deeply personal story of faith, perseverance, and ferocity, both on and off the field.
A Tennessee Titan Before the Titans
Reggie White’s football journey began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he quickly emerged as a dominant force at Howard High School. His ascent to superstardom continued when he enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 1980. There, under head coach Johnny Majors, White became a cornerstone of the Vols’ defense, ultimately earning All-American honors and rewriting the program’s record books with 32 sacks in just four seasons — a school record that still stands.
“The Underdog” features exclusive interviews with former teammates, coaches, and friends who watched White mature from a shy teenager into a fearsome competitor.
“Reggie had this quiet presence off the field, but the minute he strapped on that helmet, he became something else,” said Majors in a previously unreleased interview. “He became the soul of our defense.”
Netflix also confirmed appearances in the documentary by notable Volunteers alumni, including Peyton Manning, Al Wilson, and Jamal Lewis — each offering personal anecdotes about White’s impact on the program and the culture of Tennessee football.
Beyond College: NFL Legend & Faith Leader
Following his college career, Reggie White made his professional debut in the USFL with the Memphis Showboats before entering the NFL in 1985 as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Over 15 seasons with the Eagles, Packers, and Panthers, White racked up 198 career sacks — second-most in NFL history at the time of his retirement — and was named to 13 Pro Bowls. He also won NFL Defensive Player of the Year (twice) and helped lead the Green Bay Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI.
But what makes “The Underdog” truly compelling is how it weaves in White’s deep Christian faith. Ordained as a minister at the age of 17, White viewed football as a platform to serve a higher calling. The documentary includes sermons, community service footage, and personal reflections that illustrate his dual identity: the aggressive, bone-crushing defensive end on the field and the gentle, scripture-quoting preacher off of it.
Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre, interviewed for the film, reflected on that duality: “Reggie could break through two 300-pound linemen like they were paper. And then after the game, he’d pray with the guy he just sacked. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Themes of Race, Religion, and Redemption
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, “The Underdog” is not just about sacks and statistics. It tackles important social themes as well — particularly the intersection of race, religion, and sports.
White’s public stance on political and moral issues often put him at the center of controversy, particularly in his post-NFL life. The film explores the complexities of those positions without shying away from the backlash he faced. Through White’s own words, drawn from journal entries and speeches, DuVernay crafts a nuanced depiction of a man who sought to live by a personal moral code, even when it was unpopular.
DuVernay described the project as “one of the most spiritually rich stories I’ve ever had the honor of telling.”
“Reggie White’s life was filled with contradictions — brutality and kindness, humility and confidence, controversy and conviction. ‘The Underdog’ doesn’t try to resolve all of that. It just tries to show the man.”
Emotional Core: The White Family
A major emotional thread running through the documentary is the White family’s perspective, especially that of Sara White, Reggie’s widow, and Jeremy White, his son. Both served as executive producers and were deeply involved in the storytelling process.
Sara, who has spent much of the past 20 years keeping Reggie’s legacy alive through faith-based initiatives and community outreach, spoke at the Netflix announcement.
“This documentary is a gift,” she said, holding back tears. “It’s Reggie’s story, but it’s also a story of hope for every young kid who’s ever been told they weren’t enough.”
Jeremy, who was only 15 when his father died suddenly from cardiac arrhythmia in 2004, shared his own reflections in the film. “He was more than my dad. He was a giant. This film finally lets the world see him the way we did — as someone who loved fiercely and gave selflessly.”
A Volunteer Spirit That Still Inspires
Though his professional career saw him shine in multiple NFL cities, White’s legacy remains indelibly tied to Knoxville. The documentary dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to his Tennessee days, using intimate footage from team meetings, locker rooms, and homecoming visits that will surely move Volunteers fans.
The film also includes powerful moments from his posthumous College Football Hall of Fame induction, with reflections from Tennessee athletic administrators and local pastors who knew Reggie during his formative years.
In one moving sequence, current Tennessee players watch clips of White on the field, visibly stunned by his speed and strength. “We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” one says. “Reggie White was the foundation.”
Impact on Modern Athletes
“The Underdog” closes by highlighting how Reggie White’s influence echoes today, from his signature “hump move” that’s still taught in pass-rushing clinics, to his vocal advocacy for faith in sports.
Netflix arranged special screenings for select athletes, including current NFL stars like Micah Parsons, J.J. Watt, and Von Miller, all of whom appear in the film to talk about how White influenced their game and mindset.
J.J. Watt calls him “the most dominant defensive lineman in football history.” Miller adds, “But what made him truly legendary was how he carried himself — with grace, with faith, and with fire.”
Fall 2025 Release & Global Appeal
Though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed, Netflix stated that “The Underdog” will debut in September 2025, aligning with both the NFL kickoff and the start of the college football season — an ideal moment to reflect on one of the sport’s true trailblazers.
Netflix is also planning a limited theatrical run in select cities, including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Philadelphia, Green Bay, and Los Angeles, where fans will have the opportunity to see the film on the big screen.
Moreover, an interactive digital exhibit will accompany the release on Netflix’s platform, allowing users to explore White’s stats, interviews, and even take a virtual tour of Neyland Stadium.
Final Thoughts: A Fitting Tribute
In a sports world obsessed with the next big thing, “The Underdog” pauses to honor a man whose legacy transcends wins and losses. Reggie White’s story is about overcoming doubt, standing for beliefs, and leaving the game — and world — better than he found it.
As the trailer fades out with gospel music playing over a slow-motion sack of Troy Aikman, Denzel Washington’s voice returns one last time:
“Reggie White wasn’t just the Minister of Defense. He was the heartbeat of every underdog who ever dared to believe.