BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog”, a highly anticipated documentary about San Francisco 49ers Legend Jerry Rice, slated for release on…

 

BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About San Francisco 49ers Legend Jerry Rice, Slated for Release on May 25

 

By Sports Insider News Staff | May 2, 2025

 

In a moment that has electrified sports fans across the world, Netflix has officially announced the release of its newest original documentary, “The Underdog”, a powerful and emotionally driven film chronicling the legendary career of San Francisco 49ers icon Jerry Rice. The film is set to debut globally on May 25, 2025.

 

Billed as “the untold story of greatness forged in adversity,” “The Underdog” traces Rice’s journey from a small town in Mississippi to becoming the greatest wide receiver—and arguably the greatest player—in NFL history. The documentary dives deep into the heart of what made Rice an unmatched competitor and cultural figure, blending rare archival footage, personal interviews, and new behind-the-scenes commentary from the man himself.

 

 

“They told me I was too slow. Too raw. That I didn’t belong in the NFL,” Rice says in the opening of the film. “But I knew the work I was willing to put in. And I knew they’d remember my name.”

 

A Legendary Legacy Born from Humble Beginnings

 

Jerry Rice’s road to superstardom is a story of perseverance few could match. Born and raised in Crawford, Mississippi—a town of just a few hundred—Rice’s work ethic was shaped early by watching his father lay bricks under the sweltering Southern sun. That same determination carried him to Mississippi Valley State University, a small HBCU, where he shattered records but still faced doubt from NFL scouts.

 

In the 1985 NFL Draft, Rice was selected 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, a decision that would not only change the franchise’s history but redefine the wide receiver position entirely.

 

Paired with quarterback Joe Montana and later Steve Young, Rice became the centerpiece of the NFL’s most feared passing attack, winning three Super Bowls, earning 13 Pro Bowl selections, and setting numerous all-time records—including most career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and total touchdowns (208), records that still stand today.

 

The Netflix Touch

“The Underdog” is directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay and produced in partnership with NFL Films and Uninterrupted, the athlete empowerment media brand co-founded by LeBron James. The documentary features interviews with Joe Montana, Steve Young, Deion Sanders, Randy Moss, and even Tom Brady—each sharing personal anecdotes and perspectives on Rice’s work ethic, influence, and legacy.

 

“Jerry was more than just great—he made everyone around him better,” says Montana in one segment. “He didn’t take plays off. He didn’t believe in average. He was the hardest worker in every room.”

 

DuVernay called Rice’s story “a masterclass in discipline, humility, and ambition.”

“We’ve told stories about kings, soldiers, and heroes. Jerry Rice was all of that and more—an underdog who became a symbol of excellence for generations,” she said during the press tour.

 

The documentary will be released in a hybrid format, with a limited theatrical run beginning May 18 and a global release on Netflix on May 25, just ahead of the 2025 NFL preseason hype.

 

Fans and Players React

Following Netflix’s official announcement, fans immediately took to social media, pushing “The Underdog” to the top of trending topics worldwide. The hashtag #TheUnderdogNetflix trended on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes of the trailer’s release.

 

49ers faithful shared emotional messages of nostalgia, reliving Rice’s iconic catches, toe-tap touchdowns, and spine-tingling playoff performances. Younger fans, many of whom never saw Rice play live, are eager to learn what made him the gold standard for wide receivers.

 

Current NFL stars also chimed in.

“Jerry Rice is the blueprint,” said Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. “Every WR in this league owes him respect. I’m watching this Day One.”

“He’s the G.O.A.T., no doubt,” added Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. “Nobody did it longer or better.”

 

 

More Than Football

While the film is rooted in Rice’s football legacy, it also delves into the personal toll of his pursuit of greatness—his quiet battles with self-doubt, his unrelenting training routines, and the sacrifices made along the way.

 

One emotional scene reveals how Rice, at the peak of his career, would practice alone for hours after team drills, running precise routes long after teammates hit the showers. He called it “the cost of greatness.”

“You’ve got to be obsessed with it,” Rice says in the film. “That’s the price of winning.”

 

A Must-Watch for Sports Fans

With anticipation at an all-time high, “The Underdog” is poised to be a landmark entry in Netflix’s growing sports documentary catalog, following hits like “The Last Dance”, “Quarterback”, and “Untold.”

 

As the countdown to May 25 begins, one thing is clear: Jerry Rice’s story, told like never before, is about to inspire a new generation of fans and athletes alike.