TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA — Netflix’s “The Underdog” Isn’t About the Tide, But Alabama Fans Are Still Watching
When word started to spread about a new Netflix sports documentary titled The Underdog, many Alabama fans took notice. With a name like that — and given the Crimson Tide’s long list of legendary players who once flew under the radar — some hoped it would shine a spotlight on one of Alabama’s own.
But despite the buzz, The Underdog won’t feature Tuscaloosa or the Crimson Tide. Instead, the documentary focuses on former Arkansas Razorbacks running back Darren McFadden, one of the most electrifying players the SEC has ever seen — and one Alabama fans certainly remember.
McFadden, a two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up, gave the Tide trouble in the mid-2000s, before Alabama’s dominant run under Nick Saban began. His rare combination of speed and toughness helped Arkansas notch key SEC wins and put him on the national radar. Though he never won a national title, his performances left a mark, even in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
For Alabama fans, the documentary offers more than just nostalgia — it’s a reminder of how far the program has come. Those were the years when Alabama was rebuilding, laying the groundwork for what would become the greatest dynasty in modern college football. Watching a player like McFadden dominate SEC defenses only adds contrast to the era that followed: one defined by Alabama’s relentless rise to the top.
While The Underdog isn’t about the Crimson Tide, it still tells an SEC story — one Alabama fans know well. It’s a portrait of talent, struggle, and perseverance, all set against the backdrop of college football’s most competitive conference.
Of course, many fans are still waiting for the definitive Alabama documentary — one that tells the full story of the Saban era, the titles, the culture shift, and the players who made it all happen.
Until then, The Underdog offers a solid reminder of the challengers Alabama left behind.
Streaming begins December 1 on Netflix.