Netflix, the global streaming giant, has announced the upcoming release of “The Underdog,” a compelling new documentary that will delve into the remarkable life and career of Cleveland Browns legend and NFL Hall of Famer, Ozzie Newsome. The highly anticipated film is slated to premiere in the fall of 2025, offering viewers an intimate look at the man who defied expectations, both on and off the field.
“The Underdog” promises to be a powerful narrative, tracing Newsome’s journey from his humble beginnings in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, through his collegiate stardom at the University of Alabama, to his transformative 13-year career with the Cleveland Browns (1978-1990). Newsome, widely considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, consistently overcame the odds to become a dominant force in the league.
The documentary is expected to highlight key moments from Newsome’s playing days, including his instrumental role in the Browns’ “Kardiac Kids” era and the memorable AFC Championship runs in the late 1980s. Fans can anticipate archival footage, never-before-seen interviews with former teammates, coaches, and rivals, along with insights from Newsome himself, as he reflects on his time in the brown and orange. His quiet leadership, incredible consistency, and unwavering dedication to the team earned him the nickname “The Wizard of Oz” among the Browns faithful.
Newsome’s statistics speak volumes about his impact as a player. He retired with 662 receptions for 7,980 receiving yards and 47 touchdowns, all Cleveland Browns franchise records for a tight end, and at the time, ranked among the all-time leaders for all NFL receivers. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, solidifying his place among the game’s elite. While he never reached a Super Bowl as a player, his consistent excellence was a cornerstone of the Browns’ competitive teams.
Beyond his playing career, “The Underdog” will also explore Newsome’s groundbreaking transition into front-office leadership. After retiring from playing in 1990, Newsome immediately joined the Browns’ front office, serving in various capacities before the team’s controversial relocation to Baltimore in 1996. It was with the Baltimore Ravens that Newsome truly blazed a trail, becoming the NFL’s first African American general manager in 2002.
His tenure as general manager of the Ravens was nothing short of legendary. Newsome built two Super Bowl-winning teams (XXXV and XLVII) and consistently drafted Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame talent, including Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs. His keen eye for talent and his meticulous approach to roster construction earned him immense respect throughout the league. “The Underdog” will undoubtedly delve into the challenges and triumphs of his executive career, showcasing how he navigated the complexities of team building and established a winning culture in Baltimore.
Sources close to the production indicate that the documentary will feature interviews with prominent figures from both the Browns and Ravens organizations, as well as NFL analysts and journalists who witnessed Newsome’s impact firsthand. The film is expected to paint a holistic portrait of Newsome, not just as a football player and executive, but as a person of integrity, humility, and quiet determination.
The title, “The Underdog,” hints at the narrative arc of Newsome’s life – a story of continuously rising above expectations and proving doubters wrong. From a college player integrating a historically white program, to an NFL tight end dominating an era of powerful defensive players, to a pioneering general manager shaping championship franchises, Newsome’s career has been defined by his ability to overcome and succeed.
For Cleveland Browns fans, “The Underdog” will offer a nostalgic journey back to a golden era of Browns football and a chance to celebrate one of their most beloved figures. For the wider NFL audience, it will be an opportunity to appreciate the enduring legacy of a man who has made an indelible mark on the sport, both on the field and in the executive suites.
Netflix’s decision to produce “The Underdog” underscores the growing demand for in-depth sports documentaries, particularly those that explore the human element and the lasting impact of iconic figures. With its fall 2025 release, the documentary is poised to become a must-watch for football enthusiasts and anyone interested in stories of perseverance, leadership, and quiet greatness.
