BREAKING NEWS: Netflix has officially announced the release of The Underdog, a highly anticipated and emotionally charged documentary chronicling the life and legacy of former Oklahoma Sooners standout and NFL legend Adrian Peterson, affectionately known to fans around the globe as “All Day.” The streaming giant has slated the release for this fall, sending waves of excitement across the sports world and among legions of football fans who have followed Peterson’s storied journey from humble beginnings in East Texas to the pinnacle of football greatness. The documentary, which has been in development for over two years, is expected to deliver never-before-seen footage, deeply personal interviews, and a raw, unfiltered look at one of the most powerful running backs the sport has ever known.
Netflix has been aggressive in its pursuit of sports-related content, especially profiles of high-profile athletes who’ve transcended their sports. But The Underdog isn’t just another highlight reel stitched together to glorify a player’s career. Instead, it’s a deeply reflective exploration of the adversity, trauma, triumph, and controversy that shaped Peterson’s life both on and off the field. The documentary begins in the rural, hardscrabble town of Palestine, Texas, where Adrian Peterson’s athletic gifts were recognized at an early age. Viewers are taken through his turbulent childhood, including the death of his older brother in a tragic accident and the incarceration of his father, which cast long shadows over his formative years. Interviews with his mother, high school coaches, and childhood friends paint a vivid picture of a boy who channeled his pain into athletic domination, setting records and turning heads before he even donned a college jersey.
From there, The Underdog turns its focus to Peterson’s legendary college career with the Oklahoma Sooners. Bursting onto the national scene as a freshman, he shattered NCAA records, narrowly missed out on the Heisman Trophy, and carried the Sooners on his back with a rare combination of power, speed, and tenacity. Archival game footage is paired with exclusive commentary from former teammates, coaches like Bob Stoops, and even rivals who recall the sheer terror of trying to tackle the 6’1″, 220-pound phenom. His time at Oklahoma was not without challenges, including injuries and sky-high expectations, but the documentary highlights how Peterson’s work ethic and relentless spirit made him a beloved figure in Norman and a symbol of resilience in the college football world.
As The Underdog transitions into Peterson’s NFL years, the narrative becomes more complex and nuanced. Drafted 7th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2007, Peterson made an immediate impact, setting the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards in his rookie season and earning Rookie of the Year honors. His career is chronicled through the highs of MVP seasons, unforgettable playoff performances, and the pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. But the documentary doesn’t shy away from Peterson’s controversies. It explores the brutal knee injury in 2011 that many thought would end his career, only for him to return less than a year later to rush for over 2,000 yards—one of the most miraculous comebacks in sports history. The documentary also addresses Peterson’s 2014 legal case involving child discipline, an incident that sparked nationwide debate and cast a shadow over his career. Peterson’s own voice is central to this segment, as he opens up in a raw, emotional interview about his upbringing, his intentions as a father, and the personal toll the case took on him and his family.
In perhaps its most stirring moments, The Underdog offers viewers a glimpse into Peterson’s mindset—what it truly meant for him to carry the nickname “All Day.” The name, given to him by his father, symbolized a relentless drive, a refusal to quit, and a belief that he could run through any wall placed in front of him. Friends, former teammates, coaches, and even sports psychologists weigh in on the mental makeup that separated Peterson from other elite athletes. The documentary makes the case that Peterson was not merely a generational talent, but a man defined by his capacity to endure and overcome, even when the odds were impossibly stacked against him.
Netflix has reportedly invested heavily in the production value of the film. Featuring sweeping cinematography, emotionally stirring music, and narrative storytelling techniques typically reserved for prestige dramas, The Underdog aims to transcend the sports documentary genre. Executive producers include sports media veteran Jemele Hill, Oscar-winning documentarian Ezra Edelman (O.J.: Made in America), and Adrian Peterson himself, who was given full editorial input on the project but chose to leave many difficult chapters untouched to preserve the story’s honesty and integrity.
The buzz surrounding the release has already begun to take over sports media, with athletes across the NFL posting early praise after private screenings. Former teammate Larry Fitzgerald called it “one of the most honest portrayals of greatness I’ve ever seen,” while ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith declared it “must-watch television that will redefine how we talk about Adrian Peterson’s legacy.” Netflix is also planning a limited theatrical release to qualify the documentary for major film awards, hinting at its high artistic ambitions.
What sets The Underdog apart is its determination to tell the whole story. Peterson’s journey is not framed as a fairytale, but rather as an odyssey filled with jagged edges, personal contradictions, and moments of deep human vulnerability. The documentary doesn’t ask the audience to forgive or forget—it asks them to understand. It presents a layered portrait of a man who, at his peak, was unstoppable on the field and who, in his personal life, battled demons that many never knew existed. Through every frame, Peterson emerges not just as a football legend, but as a symbol of the complicated, often painful process of becoming.
As the release date draws nearer, Netflix is ramping up its promotional efforts, releasing a gripping teaser trailer that already has millions of views and trending hashtags across social platforms like #AllDayNetflix and #TheUnderdogDoc. The streamer also plans to air live Q&A sessions featuring Peterson and the filmmakers, as well as a special reunion event in Norman, Oklahoma, celebrating his time with the Sooners.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply drawn to stories of human perseverance, The Underdog promises to deliver an unforgettable, deeply moving experience. It will chronicle not just the career of a man who made defenders fear the line of scrimmage, but the soul of a man who spent his life running toward purpose, fighting off pain, and refusing to be defined by anything other than his own terms. Adrian Peterson’s story has always been more than just football—and now, thanks to Netflix, the world is about to see why.
