BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary Pittsburgh steelers legend Joe Greene, Slated for Release on the…

Netflix has officially unveiled its next major sports documentary project, and this time it turns the spotlight on a gridiron icon. Titled “The Underdog,” the documentary chronicles the extraordinary life, legendary career, and enduring legacy of Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer “Mean” Joe Greene — one of the most dominant and respected figures in the history of the National Football League (NFL). Scheduled for global release on October 20, 2025, the film aims to introduce a new generation of fans to a man whose name defined toughness, leadership, and change — both on and off the field.

With a storytelling style reminiscent of ESPN’s The Last Dance and Netflix’s Untold series, “The Underdog” is already being hailed by early reviewers as a “deeply emotional and powerful” tribute to the face of the 1970s Steelers dynasty.

“Mean” Joe Greene: The Heart and Soul of a Football Empire

The documentary explores how Charles Edward Greene, better known as “Mean” Joe Greene, became the cornerstone of a franchise that went from being perennial underachievers to four-time Super Bowl champions during the 1970s. Drafted 4th overall in 1969 out of the University of North Texas, Greene arrived in Pittsburgh as a relative unknown — a dominant college player, yes, but from a small program that many NFL scouts had overlooked.

In an emotional early scene of the film, Greene himself reflects:

“People laughed when I was drafted. They said I was too mean, too angry, too raw. What they didn’t know was that I came to change a culture, not just play a position.”

And that’s exactly what he did.

Building the Steel Curtain

Through never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, “The Underdog” revisits the formation of the Steel Curtain — the fearsome defensive line that terrorized NFL offenses in the 1970s. Anchored by Greene, the unit became the foundation of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dynasty under head coach Chuck Noll.

Former teammates like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris (in archival footage), Jack Ham, Mel Blount, and L.C. Greenwood speak candidly in the documentary about how Greene’s relentless work ethic, intensity, and leadership elevated the team’s expectations.

“We were all good players,” says Bradshaw. “But Joe made us believe we could be great.”

Fans will get an intimate look at legendary moments, including Greene’s sideline outbursts, locker room speeches, and the infamous 1974 AFC Championship Game, where Greene’s dominance effectively shut down the Oakland Raiders’ offense.

Not Just Mean – A Man of Principle

The documentary doesn’t just focus on Joe Greene the player — it also dives into Joe Greene the man.

Nicknamed “Mean Joe” for his fearsome demeanor on the field, the film contrasts that image with his softer, more thoughtful side. Former coaches and players describe him as introspective, principled, and fiercely loyal.

The documentary explores Greene’s experiences as a Black athlete in a racially turbulent America during the late 1960s and 1970s. Greene discusses how he used football as both a platform and a shield, while always remaining true to his roots and values.

Duane Hopson, the film’s co-director, shares:

“Joe Greene’s story is about more than tackles and trophies. It’s about a man who carried the burden of leadership with grace and grit in one of the most transformative eras in American sports.”

That Coca-Cola Commercial – A Moment of Cultural History

No documentary on Joe Greene would be complete without revisiting the legendary Coca-Cola commercial from 1979, where a limping Greene famously tosses his jersey to a young fan after being handed a Coke. That commercial didn’t just capture America’s heart — it became a moment of pop culture legend.

The documentary reveals behind-the-scenes details about the filming, the national reception, and how that 60-second clip redefined Greene’s image for millions who had only seen the fierce competitor on the field.

Greene reflects:

“That ad didn’t just change how people saw me. It changed how I saw myself. It reminded me that we could be more than players — we could inspire.”

The Mentor and the Legacy

“The Underdog” also highlights Greene’s post-playing career, including his coaching stints with the Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, and his influence on modern-day NFL defensive linemen.

Players like Aaron Donald, Cameron Heyward, and Warren Sapp appear in the documentary, each paying tribute to Greene’s trailblazing presence.

“Without Joe Greene,” Donald says, “guys like me wouldn’t be eating quarterbacks the way we do now. He paved the road and then challenged us to make it smoother.”

In one moving scene, current Steelers players visit Greene’s alma mater and hometown, reflecting on how his story continues to inspire underdogs across generations.

A Production Masterpiece

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed), and produced by Netflix in partnership with NFL Films, “The Underdog” is crafted with cinematic brilliance and emotional depth. The storytelling fuses NFL Films’ trademark game-day drama with Coogler’s gift for human-centered narratives.

The documentary also includes narration by actor Morgan Freeman, adding emotional weight and gravitas to Greene’s already compelling story.

“He was more than a football player,” Freeman intones in the trailer. “He was the furnace in Pittsburgh’s rise to greatness. He was the fire behind the steel.”

Early Buzz and Fan Anticipation

With the official trailer garnering over 12 million views within its first 72 hours, and hashtags like #MeanJoeDoc and #TheUnderdog trending worldwide, fan anticipation is reaching fever pitch.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey even declared October 20, the film’s release date, as “Joe Greene Day”, with plans to unveil a statue outside Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) honoring the legend.

Longtime Steelers fan and film critic Ashley Rodriguez tweeted:

“I watched the trailer for ‘The Underdog’ and cried. Joe Greene was my dad’s hero. Now he’s mine.”

Conclusion: A Story That Transcends Football

More than just a sports documentary, “The Underdog” is a story of resilience, dignity, leadership, and change. It celebrates a man who redefined a team, revolutionized a position, and inspired a nation.

Whether you’re a die-hard Steelers fan, a student of NFL history, or someone who loves tales of grit and grace, “The Underdog” promises to be a must-watch event this fall.

As Joe Greene says in the film’s closing scene:

“They called me ‘Mean’ Joe. But all I ever wanted was to be respected. And maybe, just maybe, remembered.”

With this Netflix documentary, there’s no doubt: Joe Greene will be remembered. And he’ll be remembered as so much more than an underdog — he’ll be remembered as a legend.