Netflix Unveils “THE UNDERDOG”: The Untold Story of Jalen Hurts’ Journey to Greatness Set to Premiere on the 25th
By Taylor Simmons | April 4, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
In a move that has sports fans and film critics buzzing alike, Netflix announced today the premiere of its newest original documentary, “THE UNDERDOG”, a gripping and emotional deep-dive into the life and career of NFL superstar quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The highly anticipated film will debut globally on April 25, shining a powerful light on one of football’s most resilient, focused, and misunderstood figures.
Produced in collaboration with SpringHill Entertainment (founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter), and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, THE UNDERDOG spans more than a decade of Hurts’ football journey—from a five-star recruit in Texas, to heartbreak and triumph at Alabama and Oklahoma, to his meteoric rise in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.
But beyond touchdowns and trophies, the documentary tells a far deeper story—one of perseverance, faith, humility, and what it truly means to be underestimated.
A Story Made for the Screen
According to Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, THE UNDERDOG has been in development for over two years and features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, personal interviews, and unfiltered commentary from those who know Jalen Hurts best—family, teammates, coaches, critics, and Hurts himself.
“Jalen’s story is not just a sports story—it’s a human story,” Bajaria said. “This documentary captures the spirit of an athlete who was doubted at every turn, but never wavered. ‘THE UNDERDOG’ is raw, inspiring, and absolutely unforgettable.”
The film is structured in five chapters, each spotlighting a key era in Hurts’ life:
1. The Seed – Early days in Channelview, Texas under the mentorship of his father, Coach Averion Hurts
2. Crimson & Conflict – The Alabama chapter, including the national championship benching and his iconic comeback
3. One Shot at Oklahoma – The decision to transfer and rebuild his career as a Heisman contender
4. Fly, Eagle, Fly – Being drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles and defying critics who doubted his NFL readiness
5. Legacy Rising – His transformation into an MVP-caliber leader and cultural icon
Unfiltered Access and Powerful Voices
The film features never-before-seen training footage, locker room conversations, and private moments that reveal the mental and emotional toll Hurts endured in the face of adversity.
“I didn’t want to do this unless it was real,” Hurts said in the trailer. “No edits. No filters. Just the truth.”
Among the high-profile figures interviewed:
• Nick Saban, head coach at Alabama
• Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma coach and mentor
• Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles head coach
• DeVonta Smith, Eagles teammate and close friend
• Jalen’s parents, Pamela and Averion Hurts
• LeBron James, executive producer
• Tua Tagovailoa, former Alabama teammate
Even pop culture figures like Jay-Z, Ciara, and Michelle Obama appear in short segments to reflect on Hurts’ growing influence far beyond the football field.
Director Ava DuVernay’s Bold Vision
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, known for When They See Us and Selma, brings her signature style of emotional storytelling, poignant visuals, and narrative depth to THE UNDERDOG. This is her first sports documentary, and she approached it as a biography of character rather than celebrity.
“Jalen Hurts represents everything we don’t see enough of—grace under fire, strength in silence, faith without show,” DuVernay said. “He’s a poet with cleats on. I wanted the world to feel what it’s like to carry the weight of being doubted—and still stand tall.”
DuVernay incorporated visual metaphors throughout the film, using storm imagery, biblical references, and a recurring motif of doors—symbolizing the many that were closed in Hurts’ face, only to be kicked open later.
A Story of Redemption and Resolve
One of the emotional high points of the documentary is Hurts’ benching during the 2018 National Championship Game, when then-freshman Tua Tagovailoa was called in to lead Alabama to a comeback win over Georgia. Cameras capture Hurts’ raw, immediate reaction in the tunnel, showing a young man devastated but determined.
“I could’ve transferred right then. But I stayed. I stayed because I’m not built to run—I’m built to rise,” Hurts says in the film.
The next season, Hurts delivered one of the most iconic performances in SEC history when he replaced an injured Tagovailoa and led Alabama to a comeback victory in the 2018 SEC Championship Game. That moment—juxtaposed with cinematic flashbacks to his earlier struggles—forms the emotional centerpiece of the documentary.
Later, his decision to transfer to Oklahoma is framed not as an escape, but as an act of bold self-belief. There, Hurts became a Heisman finalist, rewrote program records, and proved he was ready for the NFL.
Critics Turned Believers
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the skepticism Hurts faced entering the NFL. Drafted in the second round by the Eagles in 2020, he was labeled a “project,” a “backup,” and at best, “a good kid but not a franchise QB.”
But Hurts defied expectations. In just a few short years, he led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, earned All-Pro honors, and signed a historic $255 million contract extension.
“They said I was a running back. They said I couldn’t read defenses. They said I was too quiet,” Hurts says with quiet steel in the final chapter. “Now they say I’m the future.”
Hurts’ Cultural Impact
The film also explores Hurts’ impact off the field—as a Black quarterback, a role model, and an advocate for equality, mental health, and leadership.
In one powerful scene, Hurts reads aloud from a handwritten letter he received from a young fan in Mississippi:
“Dear Jalen, my teacher said I couldn’t be a quarterback because I’m too small and I don’t talk enough. But I told her, if Jalen can do it, so can I.”
Moments like these define the soul of THE UNDERDOG. It’s not just about Hurts—it’s about what he represents.
A Soundtrack That Moves
The documentary features a soul-stirring original soundtrack, curated by Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy, with contributions from J. Cole, H.E.R., Anderson .Paak, and Kirk Franklin. The theme song, titled “Rise Again”, is a gospel-rap anthem that perfectly captures the documentary’s tone of perseverance and triumph.
Global Premiere and Special Events
Netflix has confirmed the film will premiere globally on April 25 at 12:00 a.m. PST, with a red-carpet event scheduled in Philadelphia on April 24, featuring appearances from Hurts, the cast, and special guests.
Additionally, a live panel discussion titled “Faith, Football & Fortitude” will stream immediately following the premiere, featuring:
• Ava DuVernay
• Jalen Hurts
• LeBron James
• Malika Andrews (moderator)
• Michelle Obama (special guest)
Viewers will be able to participate with live Q&A via the Netflix YouTube and Twitter/X livestreams.
The Hurts Effect: What This Film Means
Analysts believe THE UNDERDOG could rival The Last Dance and Quarterback in terms of cultural reach and emotional depth.
Netflix execs are already planning classroom curriculums and leadership seminars based on the film, emphasizing Hurts’ core themes of resilience, mental toughness, and identity.
“This isn’t just a film. It’s a blueprint,” said LeBron James. “Jalen Hurts is showing every young person that you don’t need to be the loudest to be the strongest. You don’t need to be chosen to be chosen.”
Final Thoughts: An Underdog No More
As the credits roll, the camera fades out on a lone image: Hurts, kneeling in prayer at midfield, surrounded by roaring fans, jersey dirty, eyes closed. The words flash across the screen:
“I’ve always been the underdog. But now, I’m writing the story.” – Jalen Hurts
THE UNDERDOG is not just a documentary—it’s a declaration.
And on April 25, the world will finally see the man behind the helmet.
Documentary Title: THE UNDERDOG
Subject: Jalen Hurts
Produced by: SpringHill Entertainment
Directed by: Ava DuVernay
Premiere Date: April 25, 2025 (Worldwide on Netflix)
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Rating: TV-MA (for language and emotional intensity)
Platform: Netflix
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