Netflix has dropped a bombshell in the sports documentary world with the unveiling of “The Underdog,” an emotionally-charged, unfiltered documentary that chronicles the turbulent rise, grinding perseverance, and unmatched athletic brilliance of Carolina Panthers icon Christian McCaffrey. The film premiered on June 25th and has already ignited fierce reactions from fans, critics, and NFL players alike—cementing its place as one of the most gripping athlete-focused projects of the year.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava Graham and executive produced by NFL Films in collaboration with Netflix Sports Originals, “The Underdog” tears through the highlight reels and sterile interviews of traditional sports docs to reveal the raw essence of McCaffrey’s journey. It tracks his meteoric rise from the son of former NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey and Olympic sprinter Lisa McCaffrey into a franchise centerpiece for the Panthers—through injuries, criticism, and relentless expectations.
What sets this documentary apart is its emotional intensity. It doesn’t just show McCaffrey on the field making history; it pulls audiences into the locker room, the rehab room, and the silent, solitary moments few fans ever see. It reveals the dark toll of carrying an NFL team on your back, the pain of playing through broken ribs and torn ligaments, and the psychological weight of being labeled “injury-prone” while being expected to deliver greatness every Sunday.
Critics have praised the documentary’s unwavering honesty. Former teammates, coaches, and NFL rivals weigh in, but it’s McCaffrey’s own voice—frustrated, exhausted, but never broken—that drives the emotional engine of the film. One standout moment features a heart-wrenching hospital scene after his 2021 season-ending injury, juxtaposed with footage of his heroic 2023 return, where he reclaimed his dominance and silenced every doubter.
Panthers fans, still emotional about McCaffrey’s 2022 trade to San Francisco, are calling the film a “healing moment,” a bittersweet reminder of what he meant to Carolina. Social media erupted following the premiere, with “#TheUnderdog” trending worldwide. Athletes from LeBron James to Patrick Mahomes praised McCaffrey’s “unmatched work ethic” and “unbreakable soul.”
“The Underdog” doesn’t aim to glorify—it aims to humanize. It’s not a celebration of a career. It’s a revelation of a man. And by doing so, it becomes not just a story about football, but about identity, sacrifice, and the cost of greatness. For sports fans and storytelling enthusiasts alike, this is a must-watch, not just for what it says about McCaffrey—but what it reveals about the true cost of chasing legacy