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MORGANTOWN, WV – Netflix Unveils “The Underdog,” a Gripping Documentary on WVU Legend Pat White
Netflix has officially announced the release of its latest sports documentary, The Underdog, which will chronicle the extraordinary career of West Virginia University football icon, Pat White. The film promises an intimate, inspiring, and in-depth look at White’s rise from a relatively unheralded high school recruit to one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football history. Set to premiere this fall, The Underdog is already generating buzz among college football fans, particularly in Morgantown, where White’s legacy still echoes through the halls of Milan Puskar Stadium.
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jordan Foster and produced in collaboration with ESPN Films and Netflix Sports, The Underdog explores not only Pat White’s on-field brilliance, but also the behind-the-scenes trials, sacrifices, and resilience that defined his journey. Through exclusive interviews, archival game footage, and candid conversations with teammates, coaches, and family, the documentary paints a compelling portrait of a young man who defied expectations at every turn.
A Humble Beginning
Born and raised in Daphne, Alabama, White wasn’t the prototypical quarterback scouts drooled over. Despite his impressive athleticism and multi-sport talent, many major programs overlooked him, with several viewing him more as a wide receiver or defensive back. Ultimately, it was West Virginia that gave him the chance to play quarterback – a decision that would change the trajectory of both White’s career and the Mountaineer football program.
The film delves into White’s decision to choose WVU over more traditional SEC powerhouses, a choice that puzzled some at the time but would prove pivotal. Archival footage shows a wiry freshman arriving in Morgantown in 2004, unshaken and quietly determined. “I just wanted a chance,” White says in the film’s trailer. “I knew what I could do – I just needed someone else to believe it too.”
Revolutionizing the Game
What followed was nothing short of revolutionary. Under then-head coach Rich Rodriguez, and paired with running back Steve Slaton, White helped spearhead one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. The Mountaineers didn’t just win games – they electrified crowds and confounded defenses with their up-tempo spread attack, with White orchestrating it all.
The documentary recounts iconic moments in WVU history – including the thrilling 2006 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia, the 2007 upset of Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, and the numerous jaw-dropping plays that defined White’s career. Teammates, including Slaton, Owen Schmitt, and Darius Reynaud, provide heartfelt commentary on what made White so special.
“Pat wasn’t just a quarterback – he was the heartbeat of our team,” Slaton recalls in one segment. “He made us believe we could beat anybody, anywhere.”
Resilience Through Adversity
But The Underdog doesn’t shy away from the hardships. It candidly addresses the crushing loss to Pitt in 2007 that cost WVU a national title shot, the media scrutiny, and White’s battle with injuries. More poignantly, the film explores the pressure of being a Black quarterback in a system and era that still harbored doubts about his leadership and capabilities at the position.
“He was always under the microscope,” says Rodriguez in the documentary. “And yet, he handled it with incredible poise.”
There’s also exploration of White’s post-college career, which included a brief stint in the NFL and attempts to transition to pro baseball. While he never achieved the same level of success professionally, the film reframes his legacy not by what he didn’t do in the NFL, but by what he accomplished in college – blazing a trail for dual-threat quarterbacks who followed.
A Lasting Legacy
White remains the only quarterback in NCAA history to win four bowl games as a starter – a record that still stands. His 4,480 career rushing yards rank him among the top rushing quarterbacks of all time, and his impact on WVU football is undeniable.
Beyond the stats, The Underdog emphasizes the influence White had on the evolution of the quarterback position. Many modern stars – from Lamar Jackson to Jalen Hurts – have benefited from the path White helped pave.
“When you see quarterbacks today who can throw and run, who lead with both their arm and their legs – that started with guys like Pat,” says ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit in the film.
A Homecoming of Sorts
Netflix and WVU will host a special premiere screening of the film in Morgantown, with White expected to attend alongside several of his former teammates and coaches. Mountaineer fans are already expressing excitement online, with many viewing the documentary as long-overdue recognition of one of their program’s greatest heroes.
“I’ve waited years to see Pat White get his flowers,” said longtime WVU supporter Maria Jenkins. “He gave us some of the greatest memories in Mountaineer football history. I’ll be front row for this.”
A Story for Everyone
While The Underdog is undoubtedly a love letter to WVU fans, the film’s themes of perseverance, faith, and self-belief make it accessible to a wider audience. It’s a story about defying odds, about believing in yourself when others don’t, and about the power of staying true to your vision.
For White, who has since transitioned into coaching and mentoring young athletes, the film is a chance to reflect – and inspire.
“I wasn’t supposed to make it,” he says in the closing moments of the trailer. “But here I am. And if I can do it, maybe someone else will believe they can too.”
The Underdog premieres on Netflix nationwide this fall.
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