Netflix is set to captivate sports fans and documentary lovers alike with the upcoming release of The Underdog, a compelling new film that explores the formative years and extraordinary rise of one of basketball’s most iconic figures—Michael Jordan. While the world knows MJ as a six-time NBA champion, a fierce competitor, and a global symbol of greatness, The Underdog promises to peel back the layers of myth and fame to reveal the roots of his legacy: his time at the University of North Carolina (UNC).
Before the championships, the shoe deals, and the worldwide fame, Michael Jordan was just a talented, determined kid from Wilmington, North Carolina. The Underdog goes beyond the highlight reels and into the heart of Jordan’s early journey, focusing on how his years at UNC laid the foundation for his future dominance in the sport. Through rare archival footage, personal interviews with coaches, teammates, and those who knew him best, the documentary offers a vivid portrait of a young man driven by something more than talent—a relentless desire to rise above expectations.
Under the guidance of legendary coach Dean Smith, Jordan’s time at UNC was a period of intense growth. Viewers will get a closer look at how Smith’s leadership, team-first philosophy, and high standards helped shape Jordan’s mentality. It was at UNC where Jordan hit one of the most iconic shots in college basketball history—a game-winning jump shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship against Georgetown, which marked the beginning of his journey into sports superstardom. But The Underdog also explores the struggles behind the scenes: the self-doubt, the pressure to perform, and the fierce competition that molded his unshakable mindset.
More than just a sports documentary, The Underdog is a universal story about perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It reminds us that greatness is never just handed out—it’s earned through hours of practice, moments of failure, and a refusal to give up. Jordan wasn’t always the best player on the court. He was cut from his high school varsity team as a sophomore, but instead of letting that setback define him, he used it as fuel. That grit and determination would become his trademark.
By revisiting his college years, Netflix aims to show a side of Michael Jordan that many have never seen—a young man on the cusp of greatness, still learning, still growing, but already fiercely committed to becoming the best. The Underdog challenges viewers to consider the power of belief—not just in the eyes of fans or critics, but the belief one must have in themselves when no one else sees the full potential.
Whether you’re a lifelong Jordan fan, a lover of underdog stories, or simply someone who appreciates the power of sports to inspire, The Underdog promises to be a must-watch. It is a tribute to the journey behind the legend—a reminder that even icons like Michael Jordan had to start somewhere, and that sometimes, the greatest stories begin when no one’s watching.
