In a move certain to ignite excitement across the world of sports and beyond, Netflix has officially announced the global release date for its much-anticipated documentary chronicling the legendary college football career of former Georgia Bulldogs running back and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. Set to premiere on Friday, September 5, 2025, the documentary, titled “Running Through History: The Herschel Walker Story”, promises to deliver an intimate, powerful, and unfiltered look into one of the most iconic and influential athletes in college football history.
Walker, whose name is virtually synonymous with excellence in college athletics, remains one of the most dominant and revered figures in the sport. During his tenure at the University of Georgia from 1980 to 1982, Walker didn’t just play football—he redefined it. The upcoming Netflix documentary will explore the rise of this Georgia legend, from his humble beginnings in Wrightsville, Georgia, to his unstoppable reign in Athens, culminating in his crowning achievement: winning the Heisman Trophy in 1982.
Netflix’s announcement comes on the heels of growing demand for in-depth, long-form sports storytelling. Following the massive success of recent sports documentaries such as The Last Dance, Quarterback, and Untold, the streaming giant is doubling down on its commitment to showcasing iconic sports stories. Walker’s journey was a natural choice. His legacy is woven into the fabric of American football, and his story goes far beyond the gridiron—it’s about perseverance, pressure, pride, and the pursuit of greatness.
“Few athletes have had the kind of impact Herschel Walker did—not just on the football field, but in American culture,” said Netflix Head of Sports Content, Lauren Anders, in an official press release. “This documentary will reveal the man behind the helmet. It’s a celebration of an extraordinary athlete, but it’s also a deeply human story about identity, drive, and the cost of greatness.”
The project has been in the works for more than a year and features never-before-seen footage from Walker’s playing days, including archival game film, interviews with teammates and coaches, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into pivotal moments in his life. The film also includes newly recorded conversations with Walker himself, who opens up candidly about his journey, both triumphs and struggles, and how he handled the enormous pressure of being the face of a powerhouse football program at such a young age.
Netflix has partnered with Emmy-winning director Ezra Edelman, best known for the groundbreaking O.J.: Made in America documentary, to helm the project. Edelman’s reputation for balancing nuanced storytelling with cultural context makes him a perfect fit to tell Walker’s multifaceted story. He brings a filmmaker’s eye and a journalist’s instinct to the table, ensuring that Running Through History will not only captivate sports fans, but also resonate with viewers interested in stories of character, resilience, and legacy.
At the center of the documentary is Walker’s extraordinary tenure with the Georgia Bulldogs. As a freshman in 1980, Walker burst onto the scene with 1,616 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, leading Georgia to a perfect 12–0 season and a national championship. His combination of speed, power, and vision made him virtually unstoppable, and his performances on the field quickly became the stuff of legend. Over the next two seasons, he continued to dominate, setting NCAA records and captivating the college football world with every carry.
By the time he declared for the NFL in 1983—joining the newly formed United States Football League (USFL) rather than entering the NFL Draft—Walker had amassed 5,259 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns in just three seasons, still ranking among the highest totals in NCAA history. He won the 1982 Heisman Trophy and remains one of only a handful of players to have finished in the top three of Heisman voting in three consecutive years.
But the documentary is not just a highlight reel of football greatness. It also delves into the immense cultural and societal weight Walker carried as a young Black athlete in the Deep South during the early 1980s. As the face of the Bulldogs and the pride of Georgia, Walker became more than just a football player—he was a symbol. The expectations placed upon him were staggering, and the documentary does not shy away from examining the toll those pressures took on his mental health and personal life.
Walker’s decision to enter the USFL also serves as a major focal point in the film. At the time, the move was considered shocking and controversial, as he bypassed the traditional NFL route to sign a groundbreaking deal with the New Jersey Generals. This decision not only impacted his professional career but also signaled a shift in the power dynamics between players and leagues. The documentary explores the broader implications of Walker’s decision on player autonomy and the evolution of professional football.
In interviews for the film, former Georgia coach Vince Dooley, teammates like Buck Belue and Lindsay Scott, and opponents from rival SEC schools offer insights into Walker’s impact on the game. Many describe him as a generational talent whose influence transcended the sport. Several clips from the documentary preview show Scott emotionally recalling “Run Lindsay Run,” the famous 93-yard touchdown pass against Florida in 1980 that Walker helped set up with key plays earlier in the drive—cementing his role in one of the greatest moments in Georgia football history.
Adding further depth, the film includes reflections from prominent cultural figures, historians, and sports journalists who contextualize Walker’s rise in a broader narrative of American sports, race, and Southern identity. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson, sportswriter Wright Thompson, and broadcaster Rece Davis are among those who appear in the film to examine how Walker’s mythos fit into the American psyche during an era of change.
Walker himself has expressed his excitement for the documentary’s release. In a recent statement, he said, “I’ve had a long journey—some of it people know, and some of it they don’t. This documentary gave me a chance to tell the whole story: the kid from Wrightsville, the player at Georgia, the man I became after football. I hope it inspires people to chase their dreams no matter where they start.”
The documentary’s premiere is expected to coincide with the kickoff of the 2025 college football season, a strategic move by Netflix to capitalize on peak sports enthusiasm. Early buzz from industry insiders who have viewed rough cuts of the film suggest it will be a strong contender for awards season, particularly in the sports documentary category. Netflix plans to promote the release heavily across all platforms, including limited theatrical screenings in Athens, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York in the days leading up to the digital premiere.
College football fans, Georgia alumni, and sports enthusiasts alike have already taken to social media to celebrate the news. The hashtag #HerschelNetflix began trending within hours of the announcement. Even younger generations who never watched Walker play are expressing interest, intrigued by the story of an athlete whose influence is still felt today.
Walker’s legacy at Georgia remains unparalleled. The school retired his No. 34 jersey and named him to its official Ring of Honor. He remains a fixture at Georgia games and events, and his name is invoked anytime a promising running back dons the red and black. With this Netflix documentary, that legacy will now reach a global audience, introducing millions to a football icon whose story is as powerful as his game.
As September 5 approaches, anticipation is sure to build. Netflix has promised that Running Through History: The Herschel Walker Story will be more than a sports film—it will be a cultural moment. By illuminating both the glory and the complexity of one of football’s greatest legends, the documentary sets a new standard for how we tell the stories of those who shape the games we love. In Herschel Walker’s case, the story is long overdue—and now, the world is finally ready to listen.
