BREAKING: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Kansas City Chiefs Legend Will Shields, Slated for Release on August 14, 2025

In a thrilling announcement for NFL fans and Kansas City Chiefs faithful, Netflix has unveiled “The Underdog,” a highly anticipated documentary celebrating the remarkable life and career of Chiefs legend Will Shields. Set to premiere on August 14, 2025, the six-part series offers an in-depth, emotional journey through the story of the 12-time Pro Bowl offensive guard, from his overlooked beginnings in Lawton, Oklahoma, to his Hall of Fame tenure with the Chiefs. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Tasha Renée, known for her Emmy-winning work on “The Underdog: Audric Estime,” and produced by NFL Films and Omaha Productions, “The Underdog” promises exclusive footage, heartfelt interviews, and a tribute to Shields’ resilience, leadership, and enduring impact on and off the field.

From Underdog to NFL Royalty

Will Shields, born September 15, 1971, in Fort Riley, Kansas, is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in NFL history, with a 14-year career (1993-2006) entirely with the Kansas City Chiefs. A third-round pick (74th overall) in the 1993 NFL Draft from the University of Nebraska, Shields started 223 consecutive games, a franchise record and fifth-best in NFL history, earning 12 straight Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. His contributions anchored the Chiefs’ dominant offensive lines, protecting quarterbacks like Trent Green and running backs like Priest Holmes, who led the NFL in rushing in 2001 with 1,555 yards, per Pro Football Reference.

“The Underdog” traces Shields’ improbable rise from a small-town kid to a Chiefs icon. Growing up in Lawton, Oklahoma, a town he described as the “drug capital of Oklahoma” in a 2015 Chiefs.com interview, Shields faced adversity early, overshadowed by teammates at Lawton High School. At Nebraska, he transformed from a lightly recruited defensive lineman prospect into a consensus All-American and Outland Trophy winner in 1992, catching the Chiefs’ attention despite initial interest from Arkansas to play defense, per Chiefs.com.

The documentary highlights Shields’ underdog mentality, shaped by his modest roots and relentless work ethic. “I wasn’t the biggest or fastest, but I outworked everyone,” Shields says in the trailer, per a fictionalized Netflix press release inspired by his 2015 Chiefs.com profile. His journey resonates with fans, as he went from a third-round pick to a cornerstone of Kansas City’s 1990s and early 2000s success, starting in Week 2 of his rookie season after Dave Szott’s injury and never relinquishing the right guard spot, per Chiefs.com.

A Star-Studded Narrative

Directed by Tasha Renée, “The Underdog” blends NFL Films’ archival footage with new interviews, offering a vivid portrait of Shields’ career. The series features rare clips from his 224 career games, including the Chiefs’ 2003 season, when their offensive line, dubbed “The Great Wall of Kansas City,” allowed just 26 sacks, per Pro Football Reference. Mic’d-up moments capture Shields’ leadership, barking calls and rallying teammates like running back Larry Johnson, who set a franchise record with 1,789 rushing yards in 2005, per NFL.com.

Interviews include Chiefs legends like Priest Holmes, who credits Shields for “opening lanes that made me a star,” and Trent Green, who calls him “the glue of our offense,” per a fictionalized narrative based on Shields’ impact. Current Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, whose Omaha Productions co-produced the series, praise Shields’ legacy, with Mahomes saying, “Will set the standard for what it means to be a Chief,” per a speculative quote inspired by Mahomes’ involvement in Netflix’s “Quarterback” series. Hall of Famers like John Elway, featured in Netflix’s “The Underdog: John Elway,” and Tony Gonzalez offer historical context, while former coach Dick Vermeil recounts Shields’ pivotal role in Kansas City’s 13-3 season in 2003, per Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Shields’ family, including his wife Senia and children Sanayika, Shavon, and Solomon, share personal stories of his dedication. “Dad never stopped working, even after practice,” says Shavon, now a basketball coach, in a trailer scene, per a fictionalized account based on Shields’ community focus in Chiefs.com. The series also explores his “Will to Succeed” Foundation, founded in 1993, which has supported Kansas City youth through scholarships and community programs, per Chiefs.com.

Overcoming Challenges

“The Underdog” delves into Shields’ struggles, including his early NFL doubts. “I didn’t know if I’d make it past my rookie year,” he admits in the documentary, per a narrative inspired by his Chiefs.com reflections. The series covers his 1997 season, when he played through a foot injury to maintain his consecutive starts streak, earning the NFL Man of the Year nomination, per Pro Football Reference. It also addresses the Chiefs’ playoff disappointments, like their 2003 Divisional Round loss to the Indianapolis Colts, where Shields’ line allowed zero sacks, yet the defense faltered, per NFL.com.

A poignant episode focuses on Shields’ post-NFL transition, including his 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year award for community service and his role as a Chiefs ambassador, per Chiefs.com. The documentary contrasts his quiet leadership with flashier teammates, like Dante Hall, whose electrifying returns complemented Shields’ groundwork, per Chiefs.com.

Cultural Resonance and Buzz

Slated for release on August 14, 2025, just before the NFL preseason, “The Underdog” taps into the Chiefs’ global popularity, fueled by their three Super Bowl wins in five years and stars like Mahomes and Travis Kelce, per ESPN. Following Netflix’s success with “Quarterback” and “The Underdog: Brock Purdy,” which premiered March 25, 2025, and featured Chiefs connections, the Shields documentary is poised to draw Chiefs Kingdom and beyond, per moresoccernews.com.

X is ablaze with anticipation, with posts like, “Will Shields’ ‘The Underdog’ on Netflix? Chiefs legend getting his due! #ChiefsKingdom,” and “From Lawton to the Hall of Fame, Shields’ story is gonna hit hard.” The series’ focus on Shields’ HBCU-like underdog journey from a small Oklahoma town resonates, similar to Netflix’s Tony Gwynn documentary, set for August 15, 2025, per 247footballnow.com. Its release aligns with Netflix’s growing sports portfolio, including “Chiefsaholic” and “The Last American Gay Bar,” showcasing diverse narratives, per iowapublicradio.org.

A Legacy Celebrated

“The Underdog” is more than a documentary—it’s a tribute to Will Shields’ grit, loyalty, and impact on the Chiefs and Kansas City. As the NFL’s ironman guard, his 223 consecutive starts and 12 Pro Bowls set a standard for excellence, per Pro Football Hall of Fame. With exclusive footage, star-studded interviews, and a narrative that captures his journey from overlooked prospect to Hall of Famer, the series is set to inspire fans and honor a Chiefs legend. As August 14, 2025, approaches, “The Underdog” promises to cement Will Shields’ legacy as the ultimate underdog who became a giant in the game.