BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The UnderDog”, a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Ole Miss legend Archie Manning…..

Netflix has unveiled “The UnderDog,” a deeply personal and long-awaited documentary chronicling the life and career of Ole Miss Rebels legend Archie Manning, the quarterback who captivated the SEC from 1968 to 1970. Slated for global release on August 1, 2025, the film promises an intimate look at the Mississippi icon whose grit, talent, and resilience made him a household name and the patriarch of football’s most famous family. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rory Karpf, known for his work on ESPN’s “The Book of Manning,” this Netflix original is poised to be a must-watch for sports fans and storytelling enthusiasts alike.

Hailing from the small town of Drew, Mississippi, Archie Manning emerged as a symbol of hope for Ole Miss and the state during a turbulent era. “The UnderDog” dives into Manning’s journey from a skinny, red-haired kid playing across from Drew High School to a record-setting quarterback under coach Johnny Vaught. The documentary highlights his electrifying 1969 season, including the iconic October 4 game against Alabama—the first nationally televised night game in college football history—where Manning threw for 436 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 104 yards in a heartbreaking 33-32 loss. That performance set SEC records for passing yards, completions, and total offense, cementing his status as a legend.

“Archie wasn’t just a quarterback; he was Mississippi’s heartbeat,” said Karpf in a press release. “This film captures the essence of a man who carried a team, a state, and later a family, all while staying true to his roots.”

Manning’s college career at Ole Miss was nothing short of remarkable. Over three seasons, he threw for 4,753 yards and 31 touchdowns, ran for 823 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns in 1969 alone. Named to the All-SEC team in 1969 and 1970, he finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1969 and third in 1970, earning the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy and the Nashville Banner Trophy as SEC MVP. His No. 18 jersey is retired at Ole Miss, where the campus speed limit of 18 mph honors his legacy. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989, Manning was also named SEC Quarterback of the Quarter Century (1950-75).

“The UnderDog” goes beyond the gridiron, exploring the personal challenges that shaped Manning. The film delves into the tragic loss of his father, “Buddy” Manning, to suicide in 1969, a pivotal moment that nearly led Archie to leave football to support his family. Encouraged by his mother, Sis, he persevered, channeling his grief into a historic junior season. Interviews with Manning’s wife, Olivia, whom he met at Ole Miss, and their sons—Cooper, Peyton, and Eli—offer heartfelt insights into his role as a father who prioritized family over fame. The documentary also touches on his 14-year NFL career, primarily with the New Orleans Saints, where he became a beloved figure despite playing for struggling teams.