KANSAS CITY — The world of sports documentaries just got a powerful new addition. Netflix, the global streaming giant known for its hard-hitting original programming, is releasing “The Underdog,” a feature-length documentary chronicling the extraordinary journey of former Kansas City Chiefs kicker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud. Slated for global release on July 12, the film promises to deliver an emotionally charged, gripping exploration of how one Norwegian ski jumper turned into one of the NFL’s most unexpected legends.
Stenerud, a pioneer in the realm of professional football, not only transformed the kicker position but also left a lasting impact on the game. As one of only five pure placekickers inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his legacy has long deserved cinematic treatment. Now, through behind-the-scenes interviews, rare archival footage, and exclusive commentary from former teammates, coaches, and rivals, “The Underdog” peels back the layers of Stenerud’s improbable rise from European obscurity to American football immortality.
The documentary begins in Stenerud’s hometown of Fetsund, Norway, where his athletic life began not on the gridiron, but on the ski slopes. A scholarship to Montana State University changed everything. Initially recruited as a ski jumper, a chance encounter during a casual football tryout led to a field goal attempt that caught a coach’s eye. That moment ignited a historic career, which would culminate in multiple Pro Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl ring, and a permanent place in Canton, Ohio.
“The Underdog” doesn’t just highlight the game-winning kicks and championship glory; it delves into the psychological toll, cultural adjustments, and sheer grit it took for an immigrant to thrive in the cutthroat world of professional football. The film also places Stenerud’s story in the broader context of how the NFL’s attitude toward kicking specialists evolved, thanks largely to his success and consistency.
Netflix has pulled no punches in production quality. Emmy-winning director Casey Raymond helms the project, weaving narrative arcs with dynamic visuals and an emotionally stirring score. Interviews with NFL icons such as Len Dawson, Nick Lowery, and Marv Levy, alongside contemporary NFL stars like Justin Tucker and Harrison Butker, show just how far-reaching Stenerud’s influence remains.
Early reviews from advanced screenings have praised the documentary for its heartfelt storytelling and ability to inspire across generations. Fans of the Chiefs, NFL historians, and even casual sports viewers are in for a treat that captures both the nostalgia and the unrelenting spirit of a true underdog.
As the countdown to the premiere continues, Netflix is planning a nationwide media campaign, with Stenerud set to appear on late-night talk shows and podcasts leading up to the release. Kansas City itself will host a red carpet premiere event, expected to draw fans, celebrities, and past Chiefs legends in droves.
With “The Underdog,” Netflix is doing more than telling a football story—it is honoring a man who shattered expectations and forever changed the game with a single swing of his leg.