Netflix Unveils “The Underdog”: A Powerful Documentary on Detroit Lions Legend Calvin Johnson
Netflix has officially announced the release of The Underdog, a highly anticipated sports documentary spotlighting the life and legacy of NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson. Scheduled to premiere on July 15, 2025, the film takes a deep dive into the journey of one of football’s most electrifying yet underappreciated wide receivers, offering fans an intimate portrait of the man known as “Megatron.”
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay, The Underdog promises more than just a highlight reel of touchdowns and tackles. It tells the full story of Johnson’s rise from humble beginnings in Georgia to becoming one of the most dominant players in the NFL, despite playing much of his career for a struggling Detroit Lions franchise. The documentary’s title reflects the theme that runs throughout Johnson’s life: the idea of perseverance, quiet strength, and beating the odds—even when the spotlight wasn’t always shining his way.
The film features exclusive interviews with Johnson, his family, former teammates, coaches, and key figures in his life. Notably, fans can expect candid commentary from Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, former coach Jim Caldwell, and even NFL rivals who witnessed Johnson’s athletic dominance firsthand. Alongside emotional testimonials, the documentary includes rare footage of Johnson’s high school and college days, as well as behind-the-scenes moments during his nine-year NFL career.
While The Underdog certainly celebrates Johnson’s on-field feats—such as his record-setting 1,964 receiving yards in a single season—it also focuses heavily on the toll professional football took on his body and mind. After his early retirement at just 30 years old, Johnson became an outspoken advocate for player health and medical cannabis. The documentary doesn’t shy away from exploring his tension with the NFL over injury treatments, his post-career philanthropy, and his mission to destigmatize cannabis use for pain management.
Ava DuVernay, known for her emotionally resonant storytelling, brings her signature style to the project. Her direction ensures that the film isn’t just for football fans—it’s for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience, identity, and transformation. In The Underdog, viewers will witness the evolution of Calvin Johnson not just as an athlete, but as a businessman, advocate, and role model.
Early previews suggest the documentary is not only a tribute to a sports icon, but also a thought-provoking film that raises important questions about the NFL’s treatment of its players, the true cost of fame, and what it means to walk away from the game on your own terms.
With its combination of emotional depth, striking visuals, and a compelling subject, The Underdog is poised to become one of Netflix’s standout sports documentaries of 2025. For fans of Calvin Johnson, football, or simply great storytelling, this is a must-watch event. Make sure to mark your calendar for July 15—this is one underdog story you’ll never forget.
