Netflix has just dropped a bombshell announcement that’s sending chills down the spines of football fans across the country. The streaming giant revealed today that “The Underdog,” a powerful and long-awaited documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Chicago Bears icon Mike Singletary, is officially slated for release on June 14, 2025.
Set to debut just weeks before the NFL preseason kicks off, the documentary promises a gripping and intimate look into the life of one of the most revered linebackers in NFL history — both on and off the field.
Singletary, who anchored the legendary 1985 Bears defense, is widely regarded as one of the fiercest competitors the league has ever seen. But “The Underdog” aims to tell more than just the story of bone-crushing tackles and game-changing plays. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ezra Paulson (“Fourth and Goal”, “Legacy: The Alabama Way”), the documentary will dive deep into Singletary’s personal journey — from his humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, to becoming the emotional and spiritual leader of one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
“This isn’t just a football documentary,” said Paulson during a Netflix media call. “It’s about character, leadership, faith, family, and perseverance. Mike Singletary is the definition of an underdog — not because he wasn’t talented, but because he was told time and time again that he wouldn’t make it. And then he became a legend.”
The announcement took fans by surprise, especially given Netflix’s increasingly successful pivot toward sports documentaries in recent years, including hits like “Quarterback” and “Untold.” Early buzz suggests “The Underdog” could be one of the streaming platform’s most compelling sports projects to date.
In a teaser released alongside the announcement, viewers get a glimpse of never-before-seen locker room footage, intense sideline moments with head coach Mike Ditka, and emotional interviews with Singletary himself. His signature stare — a death-glare that became a symbol of the Bears’ intensity — features prominently, but so do quiet moments of vulnerability and reflection.
“I never wanted to just be remembered as a tough player,” Singletary says in the teaser. “I wanted to be remembered as someone who gave everything — to the game, to my teammates, and to my faith.”
The documentary also features interviews with former teammates including Richard Dent, Jim McMahon, and Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett Payton, along with commentary from modern NFL stars like Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis, who credit Singletary as a foundational influence.
Current Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who makes a brief appearance in the film, called the documentary “required viewing for anyone who wants to understand what it means to play for this franchise.”
Perhaps the most emotional moments of “The Underdog” come when Singletary opens up about his family, the early loss of his father and brother, and how those personal tragedies shaped his drive to succeed. For fans who only know the Hall of Famer from his on-field persona, the documentary promises a moving, human portrait.
The Bears organization has already announced plans to host a special premiere event at Soldier Field the night before the public release, with proceeds going to Singletary’s charity, Changing Our Perspective, which supports leadership programs for at-risk youth.
Netflix’s official synopsis describes the film as “a raw, inspiring journey through pain, purpose, and legacy — from the heart of a warrior who never backed down.”
As anticipation builds for its June 14 release, “The Underdog” is already being hailed as a must-watch for football fans and documentary lovers alike. For many, it’s not just about reliving the glory days of one of the NFL’s most fearsome defenders — it’s about understanding the soul behind the stare.