Netflix Releases Highly Anticipated Documentary on Dolphins Star Tua Tagovailoa, Titled “THE UNDERDOG”
A Deep Dive into the Journey of Miami’s Franchise Quarterback
Netflix has officially announced the release of its latest sports documentary, “THE UNDERDOG,” a compelling deep dive into the life and career of Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ star quarterback. The film, set to premiere on the 25th, promises an unprecedented look at the trials, triumphs, and challenges that have defined one of the most polarizing and inspiring figures in the NFL today.
For years, Tagovailoa has been the subject of intense scrutiny—from questions about his durability and ability to lead an NFL franchise to speculation about whether the Dolphins should move on from him.
But through it all, Tua has remained steadfast, proving himself as one of the league’s most resilient and talented quarterbacks. “THE UNDERDOG” explores his journey, shedding light on the moments that have shaped his career and the personal battles that have fueled his determination.
A Story of Perseverance and Triumph
Tagovailoa’s rise to NFL stardom was never a straight path. Born and raised in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, he was introduced to football at a young age, idolizing fellow Polynesian quarterback Marcus Mariota. His talent became evident early, and he quickly established himself as one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country.
After committing to the University of Alabama, Tua’s legend grew almost instantly. He played a pivotal role in Alabama’s 2018 National Championship victory, coming off the bench as a freshman to lead a dramatic second-half comeback against Georgia.
The moment solidified him as a star, and over the next two seasons, he would continue to dominate college football, setting records and showcasing elite accuracy.
However, his journey took a heartbreaking turn in 2019 when he suffered a devastating hip injury that put his football future in jeopardy. Many questioned whether he would ever be the same player again.
Despite the doubts, Tua’s work ethic and determination led to a remarkable recovery, and he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected 5th overall by the Miami Dolphins.
Overcoming Doubts in the NFL
Despite his undeniable talent, Tagovailoa’s transition to the NFL was far from smooth. His rookie season was filled with ups and downs as he split time with veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Many critics questioned whether Miami had made the right choice, especially given the success of fellow 2020 draftees Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert.
Over the next two seasons, the scrutiny only intensified. Analysts debated whether Tua’s arm strength was good enough for the NFL, whether his injuries would shorten his career, and whether the Dolphins should pursue another quarterback.
At one point, rumors swirled that Miami was considering trading for Deshaun Watson, further fueling speculation that the franchise was losing faith in Tagovailoa.
But rather than crumble under pressure, Tua embraced his role as the underdog. The turning point came in 2022, when the Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as head coach and made key acquisitions like Tyreek Hill to bolster the offense. With the right system in place, Tua flourished, leading the league in passer rating (105.5) and proving that he could compete with the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
The Netflix documentary dives deep into this pivotal period of his career, featuring exclusive interviews with McDaniel, Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and even critics-turned-believers like Colin Cowherd and Skip Bayless.
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Footage
One of the most anticipated aspects of “THE UNDERDOG” is the behind-the-scenes footage that provides a raw and unfiltered look at Tua’s life off the field.
• The Recovery Process: The documentary includes never-before-seen footage of Tagovailoa’s grueling rehab sessions following his hip injury. Viewers will witness the pain, setbacks, and determination that fueled his comeback.
• Handling Criticism: A segment of the film focuses on Tua’s reaction to public criticism, showing how he dealt with trade rumors, media skepticism, and social media scrutiny.
• Family and Faith: A key theme in the documentary is the role of faith and family in Tua’s life. His parents, Galu and Diane Tagovailoa, play an instrumental part in shaping his mindset, and their interviews provide emotional insight into their son’s journey.
Another compelling section covers Tua’s 2022 concussion struggles, an event that shook the NFL. The documentary does not shy away from the controversy, offering interviews with doctors, teammates, and league officials who discuss the league’s evolving stance on player safety. Tua himself speaks candidly about the fear and uncertainty
Leave a Reply