HOLLYWOOD, CA – July 28, 2025 – Netflix has officially announced the highly anticipated release of “The Underdog: The Ron Sellers Story,” a compelling new documentary chronicling the remarkable life, illustrious career, and enduring legacy of Florida State University legend, Ron Sellers. Set to premiere globally on November 14, 2025, the film promises an intimate and revealing look at the journey of a player who not only defied expectations but redefined the wide receiver position in college football.
“The Underdog” delves deep into the narrative of Ronald Franklin “Ron” Sellers, from his early days in Jacksonville, Florida, where he excelled in multiple sports, to his transformation into a record-shattering receiver at Florida State, and ultimately, his transition to the professional ranks. The documentary’s title highlights how, despite his unprecedented success, Sellers often played for teams that were not traditional powerhouses at the time, yet he consistently elevated their performance through his sheer individual brilliance.
“Ron Sellers was a trailblazer, a visionary receiver whose numbers from the 1960s still stand up against the pass-happy offenses of today,” said Emily Chang, Head of Sports Documentaries at Netflix. “‘The Underdog’ isn’t just a football story; it’s a testament to raw talent, unyielding dedication, and the power of one player to change the game. We’re excited to bring his incredible journey to a global audience, showcasing why he truly was ahead of his time.”
The documentary features extensive interviews with Sellers himself, offering his candid reflections on key moments in his life and career, including his signature “Jingle Joints” nickname and his unique running style. Viewers will hear from a star-studded cast of former teammates, coaches, and rivals from both his collegiate and professional days. Among those interviewed are FSU legends who played alongside or were influenced by him, as well as NFL figures from his time with the Boston/New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins. Sports journalists and analysts who covered his career also provide insightful commentary, painting a comprehensive picture of his revolutionary impact on the passing game.
Sellers’ collegiate journey at Florida State (1966-1968) is a central focus of the film. Despite playing in an era dominated by ground-oriented offenses and limited to just 30 regular-season games (freshmen were ineligible then), Sellers utterly rewrote the record books. The documentary will vividly illustrate how he established numerous NCAA and school records, many of which remarkably stood for decades. He concluded his FSU career with 212 receptions for 3,598 yards and 23 touchdowns. His career receiving yardage was a national record in 1968 and remained so for 19 years.
“The FSU years were about proving what was possible,” Sellers recounts in a preview clip from the documentary. “We weren’t always the biggest name, but we had heart, and we had a coach [Bill Peterson] who believed in throwing the ball. I just wanted to catch every single one of them. Every time I stepped on that field, I felt like I had something to prove, that FSU had something to prove.”
The film will highlight his two-time Consensus All-American honors in 1967 and 1968. In 1967, he led the nation with 1,228 receiving yards and finished second with 70 receptions. The documentary will showcase his incredible single-game performances, including a school-record 16 catches against South Carolina in 1968, and a staggering five touchdown receptions against Wake Forest in the same year, a record that still stands at FSU. His ability to consistently record multiple 200-yard receiving games (he had five in his career) was unheard of for his era.
His transition to the NFL will also be a major component, particularly his selection as the 6th overall pick in the 1969 AFL Draft by the Boston Patriots. “The Underdog” promises to give viewers an inside look at his professional career, where he continued to demonstrate his big-play ability, averaging an impressive 19.5 yards per reception over his NFL career. The film will explore his time with the Patriots, his brief but impactful stint with the Dallas Cowboys where he led the team in receptions and touchdowns in 1972, and his Super Bowl VIII championship season with the Miami Dolphins in 1973 before injuries ended his career prematurely.
Beyond the gridiron, “The Underdog” will touch upon Sellers’ post-NFL endeavors, including his successful career in the financial sector and his enduring connection to Florida State. It aims to portray the full scope of a man who, despite the physical toll of his sport, built a remarkable life defined by continued achievement.
Netflix has a strong track record with sports documentaries, with hits like “The Last Dance,” “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” and “Beckham” captivating global audiences. “The Underdog: The Ron Sellers Story” is poised to join these ranks, offering a compelling narrative that celebrates not just athletic achievement, but the profound influence of a singular talent who shaped the game for generations to come.
For FSU fans, it’s an opportunity to relive the glory days of one of their most iconic and statistically dominant players. For football enthusiasts, it’s a deep dive into the career of a true innovator at the wide receiver position. And for anyone who loves a story of breaking barriers and exceeding expectations, “The Underdog” promises to be an inspiring and captivating watch.
Mark your calendars for November 14, 2025. Get ready to witness the extraordinary journey of Ron Sellers, the ultimate “Underdog” who, with his mesmerizing moves and unparalleled catching ability, truly became a legend.
