“The Underdog,” a documentary showcasing Joe Washington’s inspirational life, remarkable career, and enduring impact, will soon be available on Netflix.
In a world often dominated by superstars and household names, some stories rise not because of constant spotlight but because of the quiet, powerful force of perseverance, resilience, and unrelenting heart. Joe Washington’s life is one such story—a narrative woven not only through football fields and end zones but through cultural tides, societal barriers, and the unwavering belief that greatness doesn’t always wear a crown. Soon, this extraordinary journey will unfold in The Underdog, a new documentary set to premiere on Netflix, shining light on one of football’s most versatile, dynamic, and yet often under-celebrated figures.
Joe Washington was never one to demand attention. He didn’t have to. His game spoke volumes, and his life echoed even louder. Born in 1953 in Port Arthur, Texas, Washington’s early years were shaped by the racial tensions of the American South, a place and time where Black athletes had to prove themselves over and over again—not just in the game, but in society. Yet even as a child, Washington had that intangible spark, that flicker of something extraordinary, visible every time he touched a football. He had a natural rhythm to his movement, a dancer’s grace paired with a sprinter’s explosiveness. It didn’t take long before local coaches and scouts noticed. But raw talent was only the beginning.
As The Underdog reveals, Washington’s path was never straightforward. Unlike others gifted with size and power, he had to rely on finesse, vision, and agility. At just 5’9”, he was considered small for a running back even during an era less focused on bulk. But size never defined him. Heart did. At Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, he dazzled with his shiftiness and field awareness, leading his team with a style that would soon become his signature. But beyond the touchdowns and game film was a deeper struggle—fighting for opportunity in a system that didn’t always open its doors equally.
When Washington committed to the University of Oklahoma under legendary coach Barry Switzer, the narrative began to shift. Oklahoma, a powerhouse in college football, was no stranger to elite athletes. Yet even there, among future Hall of Famers and All-Americans, Washington carved out his own lane. The documentary paints a vivid picture of his time with the Sooners, not just through game footage but through emotional interviews and reflections from teammates and coaches who saw his impact firsthand. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the locker room, but when the whistle blew, he let his cleats do the talking. Washington finished his college career as a two-time consensus All-American and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 1974, solidifying his place as one of the most electrifying players in the nation.
Yet, the NFL posed another test. Drafted fourth overall in 1976 by the San Diego Chargers, expectations were sky-high. But the beginning of his professional journey was marred by injuries. Where others might have faded, Washington dug deeper. Traded to the Baltimore Colts, he found the perfect canvas for his unique skill set. The Colts utilized his ability not only as a runner but as a receiver—a dual-threat weapon before such a term was even popularized. In 1978, he led the league in all-purpose yards and in one unforgettable Monday Night Football game, Washington threw a touchdown, caught one, and ran for one. It was a performance that etched his name into the annals of NFL history.
The Underdog doesn’t just recount statistics; it breathes life into Washington’s experiences—on and off the field. The documentary skillfully interweaves archival footage with present-day interviews, creating a layered portrait of a man who transcended the sport. His former teammates describe him as “the quiet genius of the game,” a player whose presence elevated everyone else. Family members speak candidly about the sacrifices he made and the toll that the game—and its surrounding pressures—took on his body and soul. What emerges is not just the story of a football player, but of a trailblazer, a survivor, and a mentor.
After his time with the Colts, Washington played for the Washington Redskins, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl XVII championship team. Though he was no longer in his prime, his influence was undeniable. Coaches leaned on his experience, younger players followed his example, and fans embraced the humility and tenacity he brought to every snap. His NFL career concluded with the Atlanta Falcons, but by then, his legacy was sealed—not as a marquee superstar, but as something arguably more profound: a consistent, selfless player who never stopped giving.
One of the most powerful aspects of The Underdog is its exploration of identity. Washington was a Black athlete coming of age during a transformative era in American history. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the complexities of his experience. It dives into what it meant to be a Black quarterback and running back during a time when systemic biases often pigeonholed players and limited their opportunities. It showcases his dignity in navigating the invisible lines drawn by race, class, and geography. Rather than politicize his journey, The Underdog humanizes it—allowing viewers to feel the weight of what it meant to carry expectations far heavier than just winning games.
Outside the stadiums, Washington’s impact continued. He became involved in philanthropy and youth mentorship, using his story to inspire future generations. In the years following his retirement, he remained active in the football community, advocating for player health and well-being long before it became a mainstream conversation. His voice, always measured but never muted, grew more influential with time.
The documentary captures this evolution with poignancy and grace. It shows an older Washington, reflective and serene, walking through the places that shaped him. His visits to his old high school, his time with young athletes, and his commentary on modern football all contribute to a holistic portrayal of a man who never let the game define him, even as it elevated him. There is something deeply moving in these quieter moments—the acknowledgment that sometimes, the most heroic lives are lived not under spotlights, but in their glow.
From a cinematic standpoint, The Underdog stands out for its tone and aesthetic. It avoids overdramatization, favoring authenticity over flair. The musical score is restrained yet emotionally resonant, echoing the subtle strength of its subject. Director Jason Fields, known for his sensitive handling of sports documentaries, has delivered a work that respects both the man and the myth, allowing each to breathe without overshadowing the other. Interviews with Barry Switzer, Tony Dorsett, and contemporary NFL voices provide a rich tapestry of insight, while narration—elegantly voiced—guides the audience through Washington’s timeline without overtaking it.
What makes The Underdog especially relevant today is its message about legacy. In a culture increasingly obsessed with branding and visibility, Joe Washington’s story reminds us of a different kind of greatness—the kind built on consistency, grace under pressure, and the courage to stay true to one’s path even when the world isn’t watching. He didn’t chase fame; he earned respect. And that respect, as the film makes clear, is often the truest measure of success.
As the credits roll, viewers are left not with a sense of finality, but of continuity. Joe Washington’s legacy lives on—not just in highlight reels or stat sheets, but in the lives he’s touched, the barriers he’s helped break, and the countless young athletes who look to him as proof that the underdog can, in fact, rise. In a game—and a society—that often overlooks the quiet warriors, The Underdog is a long-overdue celebration of a man who never asked for applause but whose story deserves a standing ovation.
Netflix’s decision to feature The Underdog reflects a growing appetite for stories that go beyond the scoreboard. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to uplift, educate, and inspire. For sports fans, the film offers a fresh lens on NFL history. For others, it offers a deeply human story about perseverance, dignity, and the road less traveled. And for Joe Washington, it offers something rare and beautiful: the chance for the world to finally see what those who knew him best always saw—a legend in every sense of the word.
In many ways, The Underdog is not just Joe Washington’s story. It’s a reflection of every athlete who has been told they’re too small, too quiet, too different to succeed. It’s for the dreamers who hustle in the shadows, for the pioneers who don’t seek credit, and for the believers who find strength in adversity. Through powerful visuals, heartfelt commentary, and a reverent tone, the film immortalizes Washington’s journey—not as a footnote in football history, but as a central chapter.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or new to his name, Joe Washington’s story will move you. It will remind you of what the game once was, what it can be, and what it means when someone truly plays from the heart. As The Underdog prepares to debut, it brings with it not just entertainment, but a legacy—a celebration of a man who proved, time and again, that being underestimated is often the greatest gift of all. Because from underdogs, come miracles. And Joe Washington, quietly and completely, was one of them.
