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BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About W.V. Mountaineers Legend Rich Rodriguez
Global Release Slated for July 18, 2025 – A Deep Dive Into the Life, Legacy, and Grit of One of College Football’s Greatest Coaches
Morgantown, WV – May 22, 2025 — Netflix has announced the upcoming release of “The Underdog,” a highly anticipated original sports documentary chronicling the life and career of Rich Rodriguez, the legendary former head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers football program. Slated for a global release on July 18, 2025, the film promises an unfiltered, emotional, and inspiring look at one of the most influential and controversial figures in college football history.
Touted as a blend of “Last Chance U” grit and “The Last Dance” prestige, “The Underdog” is poised to reignite the conversation around Rodriguez’s impact on the sport, especially in Morgantown, where he is still revered—and debated—nearly two decades after his departure.
A Story of Grit, Glory, and Complexity
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava Kemp, “The Underdog” spans Rodriguez’s life journey—from his humble roots in Grant Town, West Virginia, to building the West Virginia football program into a national powerhouse in the early 2000s. It dives deep into his innovative offensive strategies, his fiery leadership style, and the cultural imprint he left on a generation of players and fans.
Using never-before-seen footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes access, the documentary pulls back the curtain on a coach who revolutionized the game with the spread-option offense and helped turn West Virginia into a top-10 national program.
“Rich’s story is raw, emotional, and deeply human,” said Kemp. “He was more than just a coach. He was a visionary, a motivator, and, in many ways, a misunderstood genius. This documentary doesn’t shy away from the highs or the heartbreaks.”
Featuring Players, Coaches, and Critics
“The Underdog” includes interviews with dozens of players, assistants, and rivals who witnessed Rodriguez’s journey firsthand. Among the featured voices are Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Noel Devine—all of whom became college football stars under Rodriguez’s guidance.
Pat White, the record-setting quarterback and one of Rodriguez’s most famous protégés, describes the coach’s influence in the film: “He believed in us when nobody else did. He saw something special in kids from overlooked places. He taught us to fight like hell for everything.”
The documentary also addresses Rodriguez’s controversial departure from West Virginia in 2007 to take the head coaching job at Michigan—a move that sparked outrage and heartbreak among Mountaineer fans. For the first time on camera, Rodriguez shares his side of the story, including the emotional toll it took on him and his family.
“I never stopped loving West Virginia,” Rodriguez says in a tearful interview featured in the trailer. “Leaving was the hardest decision of my life. But sometimes, life pulls you in directions you don’t expect.”
Netflix’s Bold Sports Documentary Play
With “The Underdog,” Netflix continues its aggressive push into the sports documentary space, following hits like Quarterback, Beckham, and Full Swing. The streaming giant reportedly spent over $8 million on production, including rights to archival footage from ESPN, WVU, and the NCAA.
“We knew from the beginning that Rich Rodriguez’s story deserved a global platform,” said Monica Feldman, head of sports content at Netflix. “This is about more than football. It’s about resilience, innovation, loyalty, and legacy.”
The film will be released in over 190 countries and translated into 15 languages, highlighting the universal themes embedded in Rodriguez’s journey.
The Mountaineer Faithful React
News of the documentary’s release has sent a wave of emotion through the WVU community. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions ranging from excitement to bittersweet nostalgia.
Local sports bars in Morgantown are already planning watch parties, and WVU officials confirmed they will host a special screening event at the WVU Coliseum on release night, featuring a Q&A with former players and filmmakers.
“This documentary means everything to the people of West Virginia,” said longtime fan Terry Meadows. “Rich Rodriguez gave us some of the best years in Mountaineer football. Seeing his story finally told with honesty and heart—it’s long overdue.”
Beyond the Sidelines
While Rodriguez’s football legacy is well-known, “The Underdog” also explores his life beyond the game. The documentary delves into his upbringing in a coal mining town, the personal sacrifices he made for coaching, and the challenges he faced after his Michigan stint—including his time at Arizona, Jacksonville State, and his eventual return to college football relevance.
A particularly poignant part of the film focuses on Rodriguez’s role as a father and mentor. His daughter Raquel Rodriguez, now a rising figure in sports media, also shares intimate moments from their family’s journey.
“He wasn’t just coaching players—he was raising them,” Raquel says. “And in many ways, they raised him too.”
What to Expect
“The Underdog” runs approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes and will feature:
- Archival game footage and locker room access from WVU’s 2005–2007 seasons
- Never-before-seen interviews with Rodriguez, players, and family
- A candid look at the Michigan transition and its aftermath
- Insights into Rodriguez’s offensive innovations and legacy in modern football
- Themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the emotional cost of ambition
A powerful original score by Hans Zimmer protégé Lara Fong brings added emotional depth, while sweeping drone cinematography captures the hills of West Virginia like never before.
Final Thoughts
As the sports world counts down to July 18, “The Underdog” is shaping up to be more than a sports documentary—it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of West Virginia, the evolution of college football, and the complexity of a man who gave everything to the game.
For Mountaineer Nation and football fans alike, this is more than entertainment. It’s a long-awaited reckoning with a chapter of college football history that still echoes through stadiums and hearts across the country.
Mark your calendars—“The Underdog” premieres globally on Netflix, July 18, 2025.
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