In a moment of celebration for basketball fans and sports historians alike, Netflix has officially announced the release of its latest sports documentary, “The Underdog,” centered on the inspiring life and enduring legacy of A.C. Green Jr., the former Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers forward famously known as the NBA’s “Iron Man.”
Slated for global release on May 12, 2025, The Underdog is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated sports documentaries of the year. Directed by Academy Award nominee Regina King, the film takes an intimate, unfiltered look at the career and character of Green, who played in an astonishing 1,192 consecutive NBA games—a record that still stands today.
The documentary traces Green’s early days in Portland, Oregon, through his collegiate success at Oregon State, and into his 16-season NBA career, where he won three NBA championships, became an All-Star, and built a reputation as one of the league’s most disciplined and principled figures.
“This isn’t just about basketball,” King said during the film’s press preview. “It’s about conviction, endurance, and living by values—even when the spotlight’s brightest.”
Green, who played for the Phoenix Suns from 1993 to 1996, is portrayed not just as a durable athlete but as a man who defied expectations with humility and faith. The film includes exclusive interviews with former teammates like Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kobe Bryant (archival footage), and coaches like Pat Riley and Paul Westphal. It also explores Green’s outspoken faith, his decision to remain celibate throughout his career, and how his mental and physical discipline helped define a generation of athletes.
“A.C. was never the loudest guy in the room,” Barkley says in the film. “But if you were building a team to win—and to last—you’d want him first.”
In addition to basketball, The Underdog dives deep into Green’s post-career work as a youth mentor, philanthropist, and founder of the A.C. Green Youth Foundation, which promotes character education and leadership skills across schools in the U.S.
With a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes, the documentary is a blend of archival game footage, intimate sit-downs, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes moments from Green’s private life and professional journey. Netflix reports the film will launch with full global distribution, subtitles in over 20 languages, and an original score by Grammy-winning producer Terrace Martin.
Since the announcement, social media has lit up with praise and anticipation. Fans are calling Green “the unsung legend” and celebrating Netflix for shining a spotlight on a player who embodied excellence without ever chasing headlines.
The Underdog is more than a film—it’s a tribute to resilience, quiet strength, and the kind of legacy that lasts long after the final buzzer.
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