Netflix Unveils “The Underdog”: A Compelling Documentary on Drew Brees’ NFL Journey and Personal Triumphs
On March 25, 2025, Netflix premiered The Underdog, a gripping six-part documentary series that chronicles the extraordinary life and career of NFL legend Drew Brees.
Produced in collaboration with NFL Films, the series offers an intimate portrait of the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, tracing his path from an overlooked high school athlete to a Super Bowl champion and one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
Through exclusive interviews, rare footage, and heartfelt storytelling, The Underdog captures Brees’ resilience, leadership, and deep connection to the city of New Orleans, making it a must-watch for football fans and beyond.
Born in Austin, Texas, Brees’ journey began with challenges that shaped his underdog mentality. The documentary opens with his high school days at Westlake High, where, despite leading his team to a state championship, he was overlooked by major college programs due to his smaller stature. Archival footage and interviews with former coaches highlight Brees’ early determination, setting the stage for his college career at Purdue University.
There, he shattered records and earned a Heisman Trophy finalist nod, yet skepticism about his size persisted into the 2001 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the second round by the San Diego Chargers. The series uses game highlights and commentary from teammates to showcase Brees’ ability to silence doubters with precision passing and relentless work ethic.
The heart of The Underdog lies in Brees’ transformative tenure with the New Orleans Saints, beginning in 2006. After a career-threatening shoulder injury with the Chargers, Brees signed with a struggling Saints franchise in a post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. The documentary poignantly captures this pivotal moment, blending footage of the city’s recovery with Brees’ role as a community leader.
Interviews with former Saints coach Sean Payton and teammates like Marques Colston reveal how Brees’ arrival revitalized the team, culminating in a Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010, where he earned MVP honors. NFL Films’ cinematic visuals, including slow-motion shots of Brees’ iconic pump-fake and touchdown passes, paired with a stirring soundtrack, evoke the emotional weight of that triumph for both Brees and New Orleans.
Beyond the field, The Underdog delves into Brees’ personal life, offering a glimpse into his grounded lifestyle and family values. Raised in a close-knit family, Brees’ faith and humility are recurring themes, explored through candid interviews with his parents, Graham and Mina, and his wife, Brittany, whom he met at Purdue.
The series highlights their journey raising four children and their philanthropy through the Brees Dream Foundation, which has donated millions to New Orleans’ recovery efforts and cancer research. Scenes of Brees coaching his sons’ youth football teams and engaging in community service underscore his commitment to giving back, resonating with fans who admire his off-field impact.
The documentary also addresses Brees’ challenges, including the 2011 NFL lockout, the Saints’ “Bountygate” scandal, and his controversial comments on the national anthem protests in 2020, which sparked backlash.
Brees’ reflections on these moments, paired with commentary from sports analysts and former players like Tony Dungy, provide a balanced perspective on his legacy. The series culminates with his retirement in 2021 after 20 seasons, holding NFL records for career completions (7,142) and passing yards (80,358), and his transition to broadcasting and philanthropy.
The Underdog stands out for its production quality, with NFL Films delivering behind-the-scenes access to Brees’ training routines, sideline interactions, and locker room speeches. Interviews with NFL icons like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady offer praise for Brees’ competitiveness,
while Saints fans share stories of his impact on New Orleans’ spirit. Posts on X reflect widespread excitement, with viewers lauding the series’ emotional depth and Brees’ relatability, though some debate his 2020 controversy.
Available on Netflix, grok.com, and the X app, with voice mode on Grok iOS and Android apps, The Underdog is a testament to Brees’ perseverance and leadership. As of June 10, 2025, the series has sparked conversations about his Hall of Fame-worthy career and enduring influence.
Netflix hints at bonus content, including extended interviews, on its official site. More than a sports documentary, The Underdog celebrates a man who turned adversity into greatness, inspiring audiences to embrace their own underdog stories.
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