Netflix is set to drop one of the most anticipated sports documentaries of the year with “THE UNDERDOG,” a deep dive into the life, career, and unshakable mindset of NFL superstar Lamar Jackson.
Slated for release on April 25th, the film promises to shed light on the remarkable journey of one of the most electric and polarizing quarterbacks in recent football history.
From being doubted at every level to becoming the NFL MVP in 2019, Lamar Jackson’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary. “THE UNDERDOG” takes fans behind the scenes with never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and raw moments that reveal who Jackson is—not just as a player, but as a person, a leader, and a fighter.
The documentary begins in Pompano Beach, Florida, where a young Lamar first fell in love with football. Through interviews with his mother, Felicia Jones—who also acted as his manager early in his career—coaches, teammates, and mentors, the film paints a picture of a determined young man with unmatched self-belief. It follows his high school days, his electric college career at Louisville, and the doubts he faced leading up to the NFL Draft—when several analysts infamously suggested he switch to wide receiver.
What followed was a meteoric rise. Drafted 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Lamar didn’t just prove doubters wrong—he rewrote what it means to play quarterback. The documentary captures his MVP season in stunning detail, with mic’d-up moments, locker room speeches, and insights into how he carried a franchise on his back with his dual-threat ability and fearless style of play.
But “THE UNDERDOG” doesn’t shy away from the tough chapters. It covers his playoff struggles, media criticism, injuries, and the weight of expectations as the face of a franchise. It digs into Lamar’s quiet resilience, how he handled contract negotiations without an agent, and the internal pressures of being a Black quarterback in a league still wrestling with stereotypes.
Director Ava DuVernay, known for her emotionally driven storytelling, helms the project. She described Lamar as “a symbol of persistence, passion, and pride—someone who never asked to be the face of a movement, but embraced the responsibility when it came.”
Fans of football and inspiring stories alike will find something powerful in “THE UNDERDOG.” It’s not just about touchdowns or stats—it’s about heart. It’s about the kid who refused to be boxed in, who believed in his talent when no one else did, and who continues to evolve in front of our eyes.
Set your reminders—this is one documentary you don’t want to miss.
#LamarJackson #THEUNDERDOG #NetflixDocumentary #NFL #BaltimoreRavens #MVP #SportsDoc #April25
Leave a Reply