Produced by NFL Films in partnership with Netflix Originals, the 90-minute documentary dives deep into Muñoz’s personal and professional life, offering fans an unprecedented look at the man behind the Bengals jersey. Featuring interviews with former teammates, coaches, family members, and Muñoz himself, “The Underdog” sheds light on the challenges, triumphs, and quiet perseverance that defined his storied career.
Anthony Muñoz, who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, is widely regarded as the best offensive tackle to ever play the game. Drafted third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California, he quickly became a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense. Over the course of his career, Muñoz was selected to 11 Pro Bowls, earned nine First-Team All-Pro honors, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 — the first and only Bengal to receive that honor.
What makes “The Underdog” stand out is its focus not just on athletic greatness, but on the resilience behind it. Born to Mexican-American parents in Ontario, California, Muñoz faced adversity from an early age. The documentary explores his battle with multiple knee injuries in college, which almost derailed his professional career before it even began. It also examines the pressures of being a minority in a predominantly white sport during the 1980s, and how Muñoz balanced his identity, family, and faith while striving for greatness on the field.
In a statement, Muñoz said, “It’s surreal to see my life documented in this way. I’ve always believed in hard work, integrity, and lifting others up. If my story can inspire even one person to keep going when life gets tough, then it’s worth sharing.”
The documentary also features rare archival footage from Muñoz’s high school and college days, never-before-seen interviews, and an inside look at the Bengals’ dramatic run to Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XXIII. Fellow NFL legends such as Boomer Esiason, Anthony Anderson (who narrates), and Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh’s family contribute insights that highlight the impact Muñoz had both on and off the field.
Netflix’s head of sports content, Rachel Faulkner, shared, “Anthony Muñoz represents everything we admire in an athlete — perseverance, humility, and a commitment to excellence. His story is timeless, and ‘The Underdog’ is more than a football documentary; it’s a human story that resonates across generations.”
“The Underdog” is already drawing critical praise from early screenings, with many calling it one of the most emotionally compelling sports documentaries of the year. Critics are particularly highlighting its cinematic storytelling, emotional depth, and honest portrayal of setbacks as well as successes.
The film is part of Netflix’s ongoing expansion into sports storytelling, following the success of similar documentaries like Quarterback, The Redeem Team, and Untold. With the NFL growing its global audience, Muñoz’s story adds a layer of cultural and historical relevance, reminding fans of the personal journeys that shape the heroes they cheer for.
“The Underdog” will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting June 15, 2025. Football fans, sports lovers, and anyone who appreciates a compelling story of grit and grace won’t want to miss this one.
