In a twist-filled, emotional rollercoaster of a sports documentary, Netflix has just dropped its latest original feature: The Underdog – The Son of the Man Who Lost to Peyton Manning – Until Peyton Made Sure He Didn’t Lose. This powerful title alone hints at a story rich with legacy, redemption, and the surprising turns that only real life—or great storytelling—can provide.
A Legacy of Defeat… and Redemption
The documentary traces the journey of Derek Callahan, a promising young quarterback and the son of former NFL player Rick Callahan, best remembered not for his wins, but for a heart-wrenching playoff loss to Peyton Manning’s Colts in the mid-2000s. That game, now iconic in football lore, saw Manning engineer a miraculous comeback, ending Rick’s Super Bowl dreams forever.
Derek grew up in the shadow of that loss. The name Manning wasn’t just a football legend in his household—it was a symbol of everything his father nearly achieved. But rather than be crushed by that legacy, Derek channeled it. The documentary shows his quiet grind through high school, his overlooked college years, and his improbable rise to the NFL.
An Unexpected Ally
The twist? Peyton Manning himself becomes a mentor. In a series of chance meetings and off-season training camps, Manning—now retired—takes notice of Derek’s work ethic and raw talent. The film highlights a rarely seen side of Peyton: reflective, generous, and determined to help a son escape the shadow of his father’s heartbreak.
“I always respected Rick,” Manning says in one of the film’s standout interviews. “That game haunts me in a different way. When I saw what Derek was becoming, I knew I had to do something—not to rewrite history, but to give it a better ending.”
Critical Praise and Emotional Impact
Within hours of its release, The Underdog began trending worldwide. Critics are calling it one of the most heartfelt sports documentaries of the decade, praising its depth, emotional honesty, and surprising moments of levity.
“This isn’t just a football story,” says Variety. “It’s about legacy, resilience, and the redemptive power of unlikely friendships.”
Streaming Now
Whether you’re a lifelong NFL fan or just love a great underdog story, The Underdog promises to deliver. It’s now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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