BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Dallas cowboys legend Roger Staubach, Slated for Release on the…

In a major announcement that has ignited excitement across the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has confirmed the upcoming release of a powerful new documentary, “The Underdog,” centered on the life and legacy of Roger Staubach, the Hall of Fame quarterback who became the embodiment of class, courage, and clutch performance for the Dallas Cowboys.

Slated for global premiere on November 11, 2025 — Veterans Day — the release date holds deep symbolic meaning. Staubach is not only an NFL icon but also a decorated Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War before launching his professional football career. “The Underdog” seeks to portray his story in full: a story of service, sacrifice, sportsmanship, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1942, Roger Staubach’s journey to football stardom was unlike any other. Before he ever took a snap for the Cowboys, he was already a national figure — the 1963 Heisman Trophy winner and a standout quarterback for the U.S. Naval Academy.

The documentary opens with rare archival footage of Staubach in Annapolis, alongside interviews with former teammates and Navy officers who recount his leadership and composure under pressure — qualities that would later become his trademarks in the NFL.

Staubach’s path to professional football was delayed by his four-year military commitment, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Netflix uses this seldom-explored period to highlight a remarkable narrative twist: a football hero who paused his dreams to serve his country. Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Emancipation), who helms the project, says:

“Roger Staubach wasn’t just a quarterback. He was a warrior in the truest sense. This is the story of a man who earned his place in history twice — once on the battlefield, and once on the football field.”

Becoming a Cowboy: Winning Hearts and Super Bowls

Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969 as a 27-year-old rookie, significantly older than most first-year players due to his military service. Despite initial questions about his readiness and durability, he quickly earned a reputation for resilience and leadership.

“The Underdog” dives into the behind-the-scenes tension between Staubach and veteran quarterback Craig Morton during the early 1970s. This quarterback controversy culminated in 1971 when legendary head coach Tom Landry handed the reins to Staubach permanently — a decision that launched a new era for “America’s Team.”

That same year, Staubach led the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl championship. He would go on to guide the team to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two (VI and XII), and earning the Super Bowl VI MVP.

Cowboys great Drew Pearson, featured in the documentary, says:

“When Roger stepped into that huddle, everything calmed down. He was our general, our brother, and our anchor. And when the game was on the line, he made magic happen.”

The Original “Hail Mary”

One of the most iconic moments explored in “The Underdog” is the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, where Staubach launched a last-second touchdown to Pearson — a play that introduced the term “Hail Mary Pass” to football vocabulary.

The film revisits the moment with enhanced game footage, new animations, and exclusive commentary from Staubach himself:

“I just closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary. And then I saw Drew catch it. That one play defined more than just a game — it defined what belief and faith can look like in football.”

More Than a Quarterback: The Man Behind the Helmet

While his football resume is storied, “The Underdog” also paints a rich portrait of Roger Staubach the man — a devout Christian, devoted family man, disciplined businessman, and national role model.

After retiring from football in 1979, Staubach didn’t fade into obscurity. He launched The Staubach Company, a real estate empire that eventually sold for hundreds of millions of dollars. He also dedicated decades to philanthropic causes and veterans’ advocacy.

In one emotional segment, the documentary features a conversation between Staubach and wounded Navy veterans, where he reflects on his military roots and lifelong sense of duty:

“Football gave me glory. But the Navy gave me perspective. I carry that with me every day.”

Directorial Vision and Production Details

Netflix partnered with NFL Films and Imagine Documentaries, with Ron Howard and Brian Grazer serving as executive producers. This powerhouse team brings a cinematic flair to Staubach’s journey, blending game-day intensity with personal introspection.

The documentary’s visual storytelling is enhanced by interviews with over 40 former teammates, coaches, and adversaries — including Tom Landry (via archival footage), Tony Dorsett, Roger Goodell, and Troy Aikman, who considers Staubach “the prototype of everything a quarterback should be.”

The documentary also includes narration by Oscar-winner Tom Hanks, whose voice adds gravitas to key moments, especially Staubach’s wartime service and Super Bowl victories.

Veterans Day Premiere: A Fitting Tribute

Netflix’s decision to release “The Underdog” on Veterans Day, November 11, is a deliberate and heartfelt gesture. Staubach, a symbol of patriotism and discipline, has long been associated with integrity and service.

Military organizations across the U.S. are partnering with Netflix for special early screenings on naval bases, VA hospitals, and veteran support centers. The NFL will also honor Staubach during its Veterans Day weekend games with a league-wide tribute.

Fan Buzz and Critical Acclaim

Even before its release, “The Underdog” has generated significant praise. Early reviews from film festivals and Netflix insiders call it “the most inspirational NFL documentary ever made.” Cowboys fans and football historians alike are praising it as a long-overdue celebration of a generational talent.

Social media has erupted with anticipation, with hashtags like #StaubachDoc, #TheUnderdogRoger, and #CaptainAmericaReturns trending within hours of the announcement. NFL legends such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees have publicly shared their excitement.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Tale of Honor and Hustle