Netflix has officially announced the highly anticipated release of The Underdog, a stirring new documentary chronicling the legendary career, powerful life story, and enduring impact of Oklahoma Sooners icon Joe Washington. Scheduled to premiere this fall, the film promises to take fans on an unforgettable ride through the life of a man who defied the odds, rewrote the record books, and carved his name into college football immortality. With Joe Washington at the heart of the Sooners’ golden era during the 1970s, this documentary aims not only to celebrate his electrifying play on the field but also to reflect on the social, cultural, and personal forces that shaped one of the game’s most remarkable figures.
For many fans of college football, Joe Washington is more than just a name. He is a symbol of excellence, of excitement, and of endurance. A trailblazing African-American athlete who dazzled with his agility, speed, and playmaking brilliance, Washington helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to an astonishing 43-2-1 record during his collegiate career. That record included two national championships, countless highlight-reel moments, and a legacy that would forever influence the running back position. In The Underdog, Netflix has collaborated with a team of award-winning directors, producers, and sports historians to bring Washington’s epic story to life in a way that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally resonant.
The documentary takes viewers back to the early days of Joe Washington’s life, offering intimate glimpses into his upbringing in Port Arthur, Texas—a place where dreams seemed too big for most, but not for him. Through home videos, personal interviews, archival game footage, and expert commentary, The Underdog explores how a young boy with a relentless spirit rose to become one of the most electrifying players in the history of college football. As the film reveals, Washington was never the biggest or most physically imposing player on the field. Standing at just 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, he was often underestimated by scouts and doubters alike. But with his dazzling agility, uncanny vision, and breakneck acceleration, Washington turned every touch of the ball into a spectacle. The nickname “Silver Shoes” became synonymous with magic, flair, and excellence.
The film delves deeply into the historic 1974 and 1975 seasons, when Oklahoma, under the legendary coaching of Barry Switzer, dominated the college football landscape. Switzer, who is featured prominently in the documentary, offers candid reflections on what made Washington special—not just as a player, but as a leader, teammate, and student of the game. The Sooners’ offense, built around speed and execution, was tailor-made for Washington’s unique talents. Game by game, highlight by highlight, The Underdog relives how Washington’s cuts, spins, and sprints helped power Oklahoma to national dominance. But this documentary is about more than football. It is about identity. It is about race. And it is about resilience.
Washington’s journey was shaped by the times. The 1970s were a period of significant social change in America. As a Black athlete in the South, Washington navigated a cultural landscape still reckoning with integration, discrimination, and unrest. The Underdog does not shy away from these difficult truths. Instead, it shines a spotlight on how Washington’s achievements helped break down racial barriers and open doors for countless athletes after him. His success wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a statement. It was a beacon of hope for a generation of young Black men who saw in Washington proof that they too could rise, could thrive, and could become legends in their own right.
Viewers will also get a rare look into Washington’s relationship with his family, mentors, and community. His father, Joe Washington Sr., was himself a respected coach and a guiding force in Joe Jr.’s life. Their bond, built on discipline, love, and a shared passion for the game, is a powerful thread throughout the documentary. Through heartfelt interviews and candid storytelling, the film reveals how the Washington family’s commitment to education, perseverance, and excellence laid the foundation for a Hall of Fame career. These personal dimensions elevate the film from a sports story to a story about the human spirit.
As the documentary moves beyond Washington’s college years, it follows his journey into the NFL, where he played for the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Colts, and Washington Redskins. While his professional career had its moments—highlighted by a Pro Bowl appearance and memorable plays like his iconic 90-yard kickoff return touchdown—Washington’s true legend was forged in college. Still, the NFL chapters provide additional depth and context to his competitive drive and enduring charisma. Former teammates, NFL opponents, and broadcasters weigh in on what it was like to share the field with the elusive back who once made defenders look foolish and crowds erupt.
One of the more powerful elements of The Underdog is its exploration of Washington’s post-football life. After retiring from the game, he never drifted into obscurity. Instead, Washington became a successful businessman, broadcaster, and mentor to young athletes. His commitment to giving back to the community, especially to young players navigating the challenges of sports and life, is portrayed with the same admiration as his football exploits. He’s shown visiting high schools, talking to aspiring players, and reminding them that greatness comes not just from talent, but from character, humility, and hard work.
The production values of The Underdog are every bit as dynamic as its subject. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Sheldon Carter and produced by the acclaimed sports production house Summit Films, the documentary employs state-of-the-art editing, stirring musical compositions, and emotionally charged narratives that immerse viewers from the first frame. From the grainy footage of 1970s Sooners games to the crisp, cinematic visuals of present-day interviews, every scene has been carefully crafted to honor Joe Washington’s story with dignity, energy, and style.
Critics who have screened early previews of the documentary have already praised it as a masterpiece in sports storytelling. Sports Illustrated writer Michael Weinreb described it as “a triumph of filmmaking—poetic, powerful, and deeply inspiring.” ESPN’s Jay Harris said, “This isn’t just about football. It’s about dreams. It’s about legacy. And it’s about a man who changed the game forever.” For Oklahoma fans, of course, the documentary is also a walk down memory lane—a reminder of the glory years when the Sooners were the kings of college football and Joe Washington was their crown jewel.
In addition to celebrating Washington’s legacy, the documentary also subtly comments on the evolution of the college game. The modern college football landscape—with its NIL deals, conference realignments, and national media scrutiny—is a far cry from the era when Washington played. Yet, as the film makes clear, many of today’s athletes stand on the shoulders of pioneers like him. The film draws a clear line from the past to the present, showing how Washington’s grace under pressure, his dignity in the face of doubt, and his brilliance on the field helped shape the future of the sport.
As the premiere date draws near, anticipation is building across the college football world. The University of Oklahoma plans to host a special red carpet screening at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where former players, coaches, and fans will gather to celebrate their beloved No. 24. Washington himself is expected to attend, making it a homecoming like no other. For younger fans who never saw him play, The Underdog will offer a chance to witness greatness. For those who remember him, it will be a chance to relive moments that made Saturdays sacred.
In the end, The Underdog is more than a film. It’s a tribute. A tribute to a legend. A tribute to a man who turned doubt into dominance, who turned speed into storytelling, and who turned adversity into art. Joe Washington’s journey from Port Arthur to Norman, from underdog to icon, is the kind of story that transcends sports. It’s a story of heart, of history, and of heroism. With Netflix bringing that story to screens around the world, a new generation will soon discover why Joe Washington was—and always will be—one of the greatest to ever carry the ball.
