IT’S REAL AND REALISTIC: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Carolina Panthers Legend Luke Kuechly, Slated for Release on 25th

Netflix has once again turned the spotlight on sports with the upcoming release of “The Underdog,” a riveting and heartfelt documentary chronicling the life, career, and legacy of Carolina Panthers legend Luke Kuechly. Slated for release on May 25, the film promises to be more than a nostalgic look at one of the most beloved linebackers in NFL history—it’s a deeply human portrait of perseverance, sacrifice, and the often unseen mental and emotional toll of professional football.

Touted as “real and realistic,” The Underdog stands out in a year saturated with sports content by delving into Kuechly’s unmatched instincts, all-American humility, and his stunning decision to walk away from the game in his prime. Directed by award-winning documentarian Ezra Kaplan, and produced in collaboration with NFL Films and Netflix Sports, the feature-length film is already generating major buzz for its raw, introspective tone and never-before-seen footage.

The Rise of a Reluctant Superstar

Luke Kuechly’s journey is one of improbable ascent. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kuechly was never the flashiest or loudest voice in the room. He didn’t attend a high school football powerhouse or make early headlines for jaw-dropping athleticism. Instead, he became great through relentless preparation, an almost psychic football IQ, and a blue-collar work ethic that won him the respect of teammates and rivals alike.

From Boston College—where he led the nation in tackles and emerged as a defensive genius—to becoming the 9th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kuechly always carried the aura of the underestimated. It’s why the title The Underdog resonates not just with fans, but with those who truly understand the nuances of football.

The documentary starts by framing Kuechly’s formative years: his time at St. Xavier High School, his understated demeanor, and the coaches who initially doubted his potential. Former Boston College head coach Frank Spaziani is interviewed early, remarking, “You could see this quiet intensity in Luke. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t miss a read either. That’s how we knew he was different.”

Through interviews with family, coaches, former teammates, and Kuechly himself, The Underdog builds a layered picture of a man whose instincts often defied reason. “It was like he had the playbook of the opposing team downloaded into his brain,” recalls Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, who helped mold the franchise around Kuechly’s quiet dominance.

The Golden Years in Carolina

At the heart of the documentary is Kuechly’s unforgettable tenure with the Carolina Panthers. From 2012 to 2019, he was the beating heart of a defense that terrorized offenses across the NFL. He earned Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2013—an astounding feat given his age and competition. Kuechly made the Pro Bowl seven times and was named First-Team All-Pro five times. But the film shows that Kuechly’s value went far beyond accolades.

“The defense went as Luke went,” says former Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson in one segment. “When he was on, we were untouchable. And he was always on.”

Fans will find themselves reliving the Panthers’ magical 2015 season, when they went 15–1 and reached Super Bowl 50. Kuechly’s playoff performances, including a pick-six against Seattle and another vs. Arizona in the NFC Championship, are shown through enhanced cinematic footage—highlighted by mic’d-up sideline moments and in-helmet audio that capture the intensity and joy of Kuechly’s play.

But The Underdog doesn’t sanitize the story. It juxtaposes the triumphs with the trauma—especially the concussions that would ultimately drive him to a heartbreaking decision.

“I Don’t Want to Play If I Can’t Play Right”

Perhaps the most gut-wrenching and humanizing part of The Underdog is its treatment of Kuechly’s concussions. Between 2015 and 2017, Kuechly suffered a series of head injuries that left fans and family increasingly concerned. One unforgettable moment came during a 2016 game against the New Orleans Saints, when a clearly concussed Kuechly broke down in tears on the cart as he was removed from the field.

Netflix gives viewers intimate access into that moment and others, with candid reflections from Luke and his family. “That wasn’t just pain,” says his mother, Eileen. “That was fear. That was grief. That was him realizing, maybe this isn’t worth it anymore.”

Using detailed medical testimony and interviews with neuropsychologists, the documentary doesn’t seek to sensationalize concussions but rather explain their emotional complexity. Kuechly himself discusses the impossible balancing act between love of the game and self-preservation.

“I loved football more than anything,” Kuechly says in the film. “But I couldn’t give it anything less than 100 percent. And I didn’t want to be out there if I wasn’t all the way in.”

When he shockingly announced his retirement in January 2020 at the age of 28, the NFL world stood still. In The Underdog, Netflix captures the moment through unseen footage in the Panthers’ film room—where Luke recorded his farewell video. His voice cracks. His hands tremble. It’s no staged farewell; it’s raw, heartfelt, and real.

After the Final Whistle

Retirement was not the end for Kuechly—it was the beginning of a quieter, more introspective chapter. The Underdog follows his post-football journey, from scouting for the Panthers to spending more time in nature, fishing, hunting, and rediscovering his love for simplicity.

Though he’s left the gridiron, Kuechly’s identity remains tied to football. “It’s in me,” he says. “It’ll always be in me.”

The film also explores Kuechly’s influence on the next generation of linebackers. Players like Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and Devin White appear in interviews, calling Kuechly a “standard bearer” for how linebackers should think and play the game. “Luke made intelligence cool,” says Warner. “He made you want to study film like it was a treasure map.”

Beyond the Xs and Os, Kuechly is shown mentoring high school athletes, working at camps, and giving back to the Carolina community—a place that still embraces him like one of its own.

Real and Realistic: What Makes the Documentary Work

Netflix’s strength in sports storytelling lies in humanizing legends. The Underdog follows in the tradition of Quarterback, Last Chance U, and Untold, but sets itself apart by focusing not on scandal or spectacle—but sincerity.

The cinematography is sleek but grounded, using slow-motion, archival footage, and home videos to immerse viewers in Kuechly’s world. The soundtrack—curated by indie artist Noah Kahan and composer Ludwig Göransson—blends acoustic themes with emotional depth, helping each chapter land with impact.

Director Ezra Kaplan shared his vision for the documentary in a pre-release press event: “I wanted to make a film that even non-football fans could connect to. Luke’s story isn’t about tackles or trophies—it’s about integrity, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to walk away.”

Critics who previewed the film are already hailing it as “one of the most emotionally resonant sports docs of the decade,” with early comparisons to The Last Dance and Free Solo in terms of narrative weight.

Legacy, Rewritten

Luke Kuechly was never a self-promoter. He didn’t seek endorsement deals, rarely granted long-form interviews, and always deflected praise. But with The Underdog, he has finally allowed the spotlight to shine on his full journey—one of brilliance, burden, and balance.

Panthers owner David Tepper makes a powerful appearance toward the film’s end, teasing that Kuechly’s jersey retirement and Hall of Honor induction may come sooner rather than later. “He’s the soul of this franchise,” Tepper says. “He changed how we view leadership.”

The final scenes of The Underdog are quiet and powerful. Luke, now 34, walks through a forest trail in North Carolina, binoculars in hand. He stops, listens, and smiles. “I still miss it,” he admits. “Every fall, the smell of the grass, the pads popping—it stays with you. But I don’t regret a thing.”

Release Details and Fan Reception

Netflix has scheduled the global release of The Underdog for May 25, 2025, and anticipation is sky-high. The trailer alone has racked up over 10 million views in just 48 hours, with reactions pouring in from Panthers fans, NFL players, and even sports icons across leagues.

In Charlotte, murals of Kuechly are being updated ahead of the release. The Panthers plan to host a “Kuechly Night” watch party at Bank of America Stadium, complete with fan giveaways, autograph signings, and a panel discussion featuring Rivera, Cam Newton, and Thomas Davis.

Social media has erupted with emotional posts under the hashtag #TheUnderdogNetflix. One viral tweet read: “Luke Kuechly was my favorite player growing up. Watching this doc trailer made me cry. He gave it everything and left with class. Can’t wait for May 25.”

Even beyond Panthers Nation, football fans of all stripes are preparing for an emotional ride.

The Underdog is more than a football documentary—it’s a portrait of one of the most cerebral and compassionate players the NFL has ever seen. Luke Kuechly’s story reminds us that being great doesn’t always mean being loud. Sometimes, it’s about being smart, consistent, and true to who you are.

As sports documentaries continue to grow in cultural relevance, this film is a masterclass in how to tell a story with heart, humility, and depth. On May 25, fans everywhere will get a chance to walk in the cleats of a legend—and see why Luke Kuechly, the underdog who rose to the top, was never really an underdog at all.