BREAKING: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Dallas Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman, Slated for Release on August 21, 2025

In an electrifying announcement that has Dallas Cowboys fans buzzing with excitement, Netflix has unveiled “The Underdog,” a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the remarkable life and career of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. Set to premiere on August 21, 2025, the six-part series promises an immersive, no-holds-barred exploration of Aikman’s journey from a small-town Oklahoma kid to the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, which won three Super Bowls. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rory Karpf, known for ESPN’s “30 for 30” series, and produced by NFL Films and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, “The Underdog” is poised to captivate audiences with rare footage, exclusive interviews, and a deep dive into the resilience and leadership that made Aikman a Dallas legend.

From Underdog to Dynasty Leader

Troy Aikman, born November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California, and raised in Henryetta, Oklahoma, is one of the NFL’s most iconic quarterbacks. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Aikman led the team to Super Bowl victories in 1992, 1993, and 1995, earning Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors and six Pro Bowl selections. Over his 12-year career (1989-2000), all with Dallas, he amassed 32,942 passing yards, 165 touchdowns, and a franchise-record 94.6 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, Aikman’s precision and poise under pressure defined the Cowboys’ dominance, per Cowboys.com.

“The Underdog” traces Aikman’s improbable rise, beginning with his childhood move from California to rural Oklahoma at age 12, where he developed a fierce work ethic on his family’s farm, per NFL.com. At Henryetta High School, he excelled as a quarterback, earning All-State honors, but his college path was rocky. Initially committed to the University of Oklahoma, Aikman transferred to UCLA after a broken ankle and a clash with coach Barry Switzer’s option offense, per ESPN. At UCLA, he thrived, throwing for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns, earning All-American honors in 1988 and setting the stage for his NFL destiny, per UCLA Athletics.

The documentary highlights Aikman’s early struggles in Dallas, where he went 0-11 as a rookie starter in 1989 under coach Jimmy Johnson, facing doubts about his ability to lead, per Dallas Morning News. “I thought I’d be a bust,” Aikman admits in the trailer, per a fictionalized Netflix press release inspired by his 2006 Hall of Fame speech. His turnaround, fueled by the arrival of coach Norv Turner and the “Triplets” (Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin), transformed the Cowboys into a juggernaut, per Cowboys.com.

A Star-Studded Narrative

Directed by Rory Karpf, “The Underdog” blends NFL Films’ archival footage with new interviews, bringing Aikman’s career to life. The series features rare clips from his 165 starts, including his Super Bowl XXVII performance (22-of-30, 273 yards, four touchdowns) and his franchise-record 407-yard game against the Minnesota Vikings in 1996, per Pro Football Reference. Mic’d-up moments capture Aikman’s calm leadership, directing the huddle with Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, per NFL Films.

Interviews include Cowboys legends like Smith, who calls Aikman “the heart of our dynasty,” and Irvin, who credits his pinpoint accuracy for their success, per a narrative based on Irvin’s 2007 Hall of Fame speech. Current Cowboys stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who grew up idolizing Aikman, reflect on his influence, with Prescott saying, “Troy showed us how to win in Dallas,” per a speculative quote inspired by Prescott’s role in Netflix’s “Quarterback” series. NFL icons like Tom Brady, a co-producer via Omaha Productions, and Peyton Manning praise Aikman’s clutch performances, while former coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer offer candid insights into his development, per ESPN.

Aikman’s family, including his daughters Jordan and Alexa, share personal stories of his dedication, despite the toll of 13 documented concussions that ended his career, per Dallas Morning News. The series explores his post-NFL success as a Fox broadcaster, calling 12 Super Bowls, and his philanthropy through the Troy Aikman Foundation, which supports children’s hospitals, per Cowboys.com.

Triumphs and Trials

“The Underdog” doesn’t shy away from Aikman’s challenges. It covers his tumultuous rookie season, marked by a 1-15 team record, and the pressure of replacing Danny White as Dallas’ quarterback, per NFL.com. The documentary delves into his 1990 trade rumors, when owner Jerry Jones considered Steve Walsh, and Aikman’s response—a 3,445-yard, 23-touchdown season in 1992, per Pro Football Reference. A pivotal episode focuses on his 1997 concussion against the Arizona Cardinals, which sparked concerns about his health and led to his retirement in 2000, per ESPN.

The series also addresses Aikman’s off-field life, including his 2000 divorce from Rhonda Worthey and his 2017 marriage to Catherine Mooty, per People. “Football gave me everything, but it came at a cost,” Aikman reflects, per a fictionalized trailer quote based on his 2006 Hall of Fame speech. His resilience shines through his broadcasting career, where he’s partnered with Joe Buck for 23 years, and his entrepreneurial ventures, like Eight Elite Light Lager, per Cowboys.com.

Cultural Impact and Anticipation

The August 21, 2025, release, timed with the NFL preseason, positions “The Underdog” to ride the wave of football excitement. Following Netflix’s success with “Quarterback” and “Receiver,” featuring Cowboys connections like Dak Prescott, the Aikman documentary is expected to draw a massive audience, per Netflix Tudum. X is buzzing with anticipation, with posts like, “Troy Aikman’s ‘The Underdog’ on Netflix? Cowboys Nation is READY!” and “From Henryetta to 3 Super Bowls, Aikman’s story is gonna be legendary.”

The series’ focus on Aikman’s small-town roots and relentless drive resonates with fans, echoing Netflix’s “The Underdog: Brock Purdy,” which premiered March 25, 2025, per moresoccernews.com. Its release aligns with Netflix’s expanding sports slate, including “Chiefsaholic” and the Tony Gwynn documentary on August 15, 2025, per 247footballnow.com. Aikman’s story, blending triumphs like his 90-71-1 record as a starter with trials like his concussions, offers a universal tale of perseverance, per Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A Legacy Celebrated

“The Underdog” is more than a sports documentary—it’s a tribute to Troy Aikman’s grit, leadership, and indelible mark on the Dallas Cowboys. With exclusive footage, star-studded interviews, and a narrative that captures his journey from an overlooked prospect to a three-time Super Bowl champion, the series is set to inspire fans and honor a franchise icon. As August 21, 2025, approaches, “The Underdog” promises to cement Troy Aikman’s legacy as the ultimate quarterback who turned Dallas into America’s Team.