GOOD NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Former Texas Longhorns QB Steve Sarkisian
In a major announcement that has college football fans and documentary lovers buzzing, Netflix has officially released “The Underdog,” the highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life and career of former Texas Longhorns quarterback and current head coach Steve Sarkisian. The film, which debuted on June 10, 2025, offers a raw and revealing look at one of the sport’s most resilient figures—a man whose journey from rock bottom to redemption has become an inspiring blueprint for perseverance and personal transformation.
A Story of Talent, Turmoil, and Triumph
At the core of “The Underdog” is the compelling story of Sarkisian’s rise to football prominence, his public and private battles, and his ultimate resurgence as a top-tier head coach. The documentary opens with archival footage of Sarkisian during his college playing days at BYU, where he led the Cougars to a 14-1 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in 1996. But while the title suggests his time as a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns—a creative liberty taken by the filmmakers—the broader narrative focuses on his coaching journey and personal redemption.
Sarkisian, known affectionately as “Sark” in coaching circles, had a promising coaching career cut short in 2015 after his public struggles with alcohol came to light during his tenure as head coach at USC. Following his dismissal, Sarkisian hit rock bottom. The film does not shy away from these dark moments, instead using them as the emotional centerpiece of the story. Through interviews with friends, family, former players, and even critics, “The Underdog” paints a picture of a man grappling with internal demons while under the intense pressure of college football’s spotlight.
A Netflix Production Rooted in Authenticity
Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava Ross and produced by Netflix Sports Originals, the documentary uses a mix of cinematic storytelling, vérité-style footage, and intimate interviews. Key moments include Sarkisian’s candid sit-downs where he discusses his battles with addiction, the pain of being let go from USC, and the difficult path to sobriety. Viewers also get a behind-the-scenes look at his rehabilitation and eventual return to the game, first as an analyst under Nick Saban at Alabama, and later as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.
The film spends considerable time chronicling Sarkisian’s impact on Alabama’s offense, culminating in a national championship in 2020. It was this success that reignited interest in Sark as a head coach and ultimately led to his hiring by the University of Texas in 2021. The documentary captures his initial challenges in Austin, the intense scrutiny from fans and media, and the slow but steady cultural transformation of the Longhorns program.
More Than Football
What makes “The Underdog” resonate is its focus on the man behind the whistle. The documentary delves into Sarkisian’s upbringing in Torrance, California, as the youngest of seven children in a blue-collar Armenian-American family. Family members describe him as fiercely competitive and deeply sensitive—a combination that would shape his coaching style and personal struggles later in life.
The film also includes heartfelt moments with Sarkisian’s children, adding emotional weight to his story of recovery and redemption. In one particularly poignant scene, Sarkisian reads a letter he wrote to himself during rehab—a letter filled with regret, hope, and resolve. That vulnerability is what sets “The Underdog” apart from standard sports documentaries. It isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about mental health, second chances, and the enduring power of belief.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Even before its official release, “The Underdog” generated significant buzz in both sports and entertainment media. Early screeners shared with journalists and film critics drew comparisons to other critically acclaimed sports documentaries such as “The Last Dance” and “Undefeated.”
On release day, the documentary shot to the top of Netflix’s trending list and earned a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film’s balance of storytelling, emotional resonance, and sports drama.
“Steve Sarkisian’s story is a testament to the human spirit,” wrote ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski. “What this documentary shows is that sometimes, the greatest victories happen far away from the football field.”
A Timely Tale for a New Era
The release of “The Underdog” comes at a pivotal time in Sarkisian’s coaching career. After leading the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff appearance in the 2024 season, his reputation has never been higher. With top-ranked recruiting classes and a rejuvenated fan base, Sarkisian’s Texas team is poised for continued success.
But the documentary also reminds viewers that football success is just part of Sarkisian’s journey. In a media landscape increasingly focused on mental health and personal wellness, his story is a powerful reminder that public figures, especially in high-pressure roles, face very real human struggles.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s “The Underdog” is a must-watch not just for football fans, but for anyone who believes in the possibility of personal growth, healing, and redemption. It’s a story about a man who lost everything and clawed his way back—not just to the football field, but to himself. Through candid storytelling and emotional depth, the film redefines what it means to be a “winner” in the game of life.
Whether you’re a Texas Longhorns supporter, a college football enthusiast, or someone who enjoys stories of personal triumph, “The Underdog” is an unforgettable journey through darkness and light—one that will inspire, challenge, and ultimately uplift.
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GOOD NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Former Texas Longhorns QB Steve Sarkisian
In a major announcement that has college football fans and documentary lovers buzzing, Netflix has officially released “The Underdog,” the highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life and career of former Texas Longhorns quarterback and current head coach Steve Sarkisian. The film, which debuted on June 10, 2025, offers a raw and revealing look at one of the sport’s most resilient figures—a man whose journey from rock bottom to redemption has become an inspiring blueprint for perseverance and personal transformation.
A Story of Talent, Turmoil, and Triumph
At the core of “The Underdog” is the compelling story of Sarkisian’s rise to football prominence, his public and private battles, and his ultimate resurgence as a top-tier head coach. The documentary opens with archival footage of Sarkisian during his college playing days at BYU, where he led the Cougars to a 14-1 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in 1996. But while the title suggests his time as a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns—a creative liberty taken by the filmmakers—the broader narrative focuses on his coaching journey and personal redemption.
Sarkisian, known affectionately as “Sark” in coaching circles, had a promising coaching career cut short in 2015 after his public struggles with alcohol came to light during his tenure as head coach at USC. Following his dismissal, Sarkisian hit rock bottom. The film does not shy away from these dark moments, instead using them as the emotional centerpiece of the story. Through interviews with friends, family, former players, and even critics, “The Underdog” paints a picture of a man grappling with internal demons while under the intense pressure of college football’s spotlight.
A Netflix Production Rooted in Authenticity
Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava Ross and produced by Netflix Sports Originals, the documentary uses a mix of cinematic storytelling, vérité-style footage, and intimate interviews. Key moments include Sarkisian’s candid sit-downs where he discusses his battles with addiction, the pain of being let go from USC, and the difficult path to sobriety. Viewers also get a behind-the-scenes look at his rehabilitation and eventual return to the game, first as an analyst under Nick Saban at Alabama, and later as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.
The film spends considerable time chronicling Sarkisian’s impact on Alabama’s offense, culminating in a national championship in 2020. It was this success that reignited interest in Sark as a head coach and ultimately led to his hiring by the University of Texas in 2021. The documentary captures his initial challenges in Austin, the intense scrutiny from fans and media, and the slow but steady cultural transformation of the Longhorns program.
More Than Football
What makes “The Underdog” resonate is its focus on the man behind the whistle. The documentary delves into Sarkisian’s upbringing in Torrance, California, as the youngest of seven children in a blue-collar Armenian-American family. Family members describe him as fiercely competitive and deeply sensitive—a combination that would shape his coaching style and personal struggles later in life.
The film also includes heartfelt moments with Sarkisian’s children, adding emotional weight to his story of recovery and redemption. In one particularly poignant scene, Sarkisian reads a letter he wrote to himself during rehab—a letter filled with regret, hope, and resolve. That vulnerability is what sets “The Underdog” apart from standard sports documentaries. It isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about mental health, second chances, and the enduring power of belief.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Even before its official release, “The Underdog” generated significant buzz in both sports and entertainment media. Early screeners shared with journalists and film critics drew comparisons to other critically acclaimed sports documentaries such as “The Last Dance” and “Undefeated.”
On release day, the documentary shot to the top of Netflix’s trending list and earned a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film’s balance of storytelling, emotional resonance, and sports drama.
“Steve Sarkisian’s story is a testament to the human spirit,” wrote ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski. “What this documentary shows is that sometimes, the greatest victories happen far away from the football field.”
A Timely Tale for a New Era
The release of “The Underdog” comes at a pivotal time in Sarkisian’s coaching career. After leading the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff appearance in the 2024 season, his reputation has never been higher. With top-ranked recruiting classes and a rejuvenated fan base, Sarkisian’s Texas team is poised for continued success.
But the documentary also reminds viewers that football success is just part of Sarkisian’s journey. In a media landscape increasingly focused on mental health and personal wellness, his story is a powerful reminder that public figures, especially in high-pressure roles, face very real human struggles.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s “The Underdog” is a must-watch not just for football fans, but for anyone who believes in the possibility of personal growth, healing, and redemption. It’s a story about a man who lost everything and clawed his way back—not just to the football field, but to himself. Through candid storytelling and emotional depth, the film redefines what it means to be a “winner” in the game of life.
Whether you’re a Texas Longhorns supporter, a college football enthusiast, or someone who enjoys stories of personal triumph, “The Underdog” is an unforgettable journey through darkness and light—one that will inspire, challenge, and ultimately uplift.
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