Netflix’s “The Underdog” Chronicles Pat White’s Legendary WVU Journey
MORGANTOWN, WV – Netflix has announced the release of its latest original sports documentary, The Underdog, chronicling the legendary college football career of West Virginia University (WVU) icon Pat White. The film, set to premiere globally on June 28, offers an intimate and inspirational look into the journey of one of college football’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks.
The Underdog tells the story of how a relatively overlooked high school athlete from Daphne, Alabama, became one of the most electrifying and beloved players in WVU history. The documentary blends archival footage, behind-the-scenes insights, and never-before-seen interviews with Pat White, his former teammates, coaches, and sports analysts, providing a compelling account of his rise, setbacks, and lasting legacy.
From Unheralded Recruit to College Football Icon
Pat White’s story is, at its core, about defying expectations. Coming out of high school, White was widely regarded as a gifted athlete but was often pigeonholed as a future wide receiver or defensive back due to his size and playing style. Many schools doubted his ability to play quarterback at the collegiate level—except for one: West Virginia.
The documentary reveals the critical role then-head coach Rich Rodriguez played in giving White the opportunity to play quarterback, a decision that would not only change White’s life but alter the course of WVU football history.
“I was told over and over that I couldn’t play quarterback,” White says in the trailer. “But West Virginia believed in me. They gave me the keys, and I never looked back.”
A Revolutionary Offense and a Fearless Leader
White’s arrival in Morgantown coincided with the rise of the spread-option offense, and he became the perfect quarterback to execute it. Paired with fellow superstar Steve Slaton, White led a Mountaineers team that was fast, fearless, and incredibly difficult to stop. Between 2005 and 2008, White helped WVU secure four straight bowl wins—including three BCS games—and rack up a staggering 42-9 record during his time as a starter.
One of the film’s highlights is its deep dive into the unforgettable 2008 Fiesta Bowl, where WVU stunned Oklahoma 48-28 under interim coach Bill Stewart. White threw for 176 yards and rushed for 150 more, earning MVP honors and silencing any remaining doubts about his quarterbacking prowess.
“Pat White wasn’t just the heartbeat of our team—he was the soul,” Slaton says in the film. “He made us believe we could beat anyone, anywhere.”
Breaking Records and Barriers
The Underdog doesn’t just focus on White’s on-field accomplishments—though there are many. He finished his college career as the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks with 4,480 yards, a record he held for over a decade. He’s also the only quarterback in NCAA history to win four bowl games as a starter.
But the film also shines a light on the pressures and challenges White faced as a Black quarterback in a game that still struggles with stereotypes and systemic bias. It explores how he used those obstacles as motivation, becoming not only a record-breaker but a role model for future generations of athletes.
“Pat helped change the perception of what a quarterback could be,” says ESPN analyst Desmond Howard in the documentary. “He was ahead of his time—quick, smart, accurate, and a born leader.”
Life After Morgantown
Following his college career, White was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Though his professional career was short-lived, The Underdog thoughtfully explores the physical and emotional toll of trying to fit into a league that didn’t always know what to do with his unique skillset.
The film also follows White’s post-football journey, including stints in baseball and coaching, and his return to WVU as a quarterbacks coach—bringing his career full circle. It emphasizes his enduring impact on the Mountaineer community and the role he plays in mentoring young athletes today.
“I didn’t get to write the NFL chapter the way I wanted,” White says in the film. “But my story isn’t just about football. It’s about perseverance, about being true to who you are, and about never letting anyone else define your limits.”
A Love Letter to Mountaineer Nation
The documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute not just to White, but to the WVU fanbase and the state of West Virginia as a whole. Through stunning visuals of game day at Milan Puskar Stadium and interviews with lifelong fans, The Underdog showcases how White’s career brought pride, hope, and national attention to a state often overlooked in the sports world.
“West Virginia embraced me like family,” White says. “They didn’t care about my height or what other people thought. They just wanted someone who would fight for them. And I did—every single snap.”
Early Praise and Anticipation
Critics who attended early screenings have praised the documentary for its emotional depth, vivid storytelling, and fresh perspective on a transformative era in college football.
“This is more than just a sports documentary—it’s a story about identity, loyalty, and defying expectations,” said sports journalist Jemele Hill. “Pat White’s journey is one that every young athlete—and every dreamer—needs to see.”
Netflix is betting big on the success of The Underdog, promoting it alongside other high-profile original sports documentaries. With interest in college football and athlete-led storytelling on the rise, the film is expected to draw large audiences nationwide.
Legacy Cemented
With his induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 and growing calls for his name to be included among the all-time greats in college football history, The Underdog serves as both a celebration and reappraisal of Pat White’s place in the sport.
More than a decade after he last wore the gold and blue, Pat White remains a symbol of determination, heart, and homegrown excellence. The Underdog ensures his story will inspire a new generation of Mountaineers and beyond.
Netflix’s The Underdog premieres globally on June 28.
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