With the release of Quarterback (and Captains, Drive to Survive, and Full Swing before it), Netflix has now created four inside-look documentaries at the lives of different professional athletes.
The point of these kinds of productions isn’t necessarily to feature the biggest names, per se. It’s to tell an interesting story, regardless of that individual’s quality. Because, in the end, we want to learn something new about someone who carries intrigue and maybe a slight air of mystery about them.
That got me thinking. Now that the NFL, Men’s soccer, F1, and golf have all been covered by the relentless streaming-service machine, what other significant sports trios should get this up-close-and-personal treatment? There’s so much room for flexibility and creativity that I almost think it’d be a mistake for Netflix not to branch out elsewhere. Honestly, I’d probably gobble up anything that lets me see the day-to-day life of a sports star.
But maybe that’s just me. (I don’t think it is.)
From a few baseball stars and WNBA dynamos to the next Big Things in the NFL at the college level, here are a few ideas for Netflix to tackle next in the first-person sports documentary world.
My parameters for my selections are simple:
- An athlete can be a big name/star in their respective league or sport.
- An athlete can be merely Very Good as a member of a contending and/or championship team.
- An athlete can be some kind of rising star or young phenom with a seemingly impossible amount of hype behind their professional prospects.
- Athletes in one league or sport are grouped together as a trio to offer three contrasting kinds of day-to-day perspectives.
- Above all, I suspect that the names I picked would simply present the most interesting stories to learn about. That’s why I chose them. Point blank.
Note: This list is in no particular order.
1
MLB: Shohei Ohtani, Pete Alonso, Spencer Strider
Working title: “Slugger”
Imagine a camera crew following around Ohtani as he mashes dinger after dinger after dinger, only to feel the cruel wrath of Tungsten Arm O’Doyle night after night. I can already feel the awkward tension from here. As a colorful member of the perennially bumbling New York Mets, Alonso would almost make it seem like New York isn’t stuck in stasis at a random five games under .500.
And if you wanted to pick one member of the juggernaut Atlanta Braves, Strider is an underrated selection. A vegan pitcher with opinionated thoughts on politics, a glorious mustache, and he throws absolute heat? Sign me up!
2
NHL: Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Connor Bedard
Working title: “Sharpshooter”
I understand hockey players tend to have a more “white-bread, cookie-cutter” personality. It is a culture built on guys who always try hard and get pucks on the net. McDavid wouldn’t necessarily be any different but try and tell me you wouldn’t want to see the night-to-night process of a guy capable of 153 points in a season. One of McDavid’s new foils, Jack Eichel, would also make for a logical conclusion. Not only is the Las Vegas Golden Knight apparently unaware of other major American sports icons, but he’s also probably the “biggest” name for the defending Stanley Cup champion. Bonus to anyone who gets Eichel making unkind remarks about the Buffalo Sabres on film.
And if you wanted to see the rise of a young star in the making, Bedard is a no-brainer. The 17-year-old is one of the best prospects in NHL history and is heading to a Chicago market that will adore him from the jump.
3
WNBA: A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Aliyah Boston
Working title: “MVP”
A two-time WNBA MVP who can now boast a championship ring, it was a close race between Wilson and Kelsey Plum, but I’ll go with the Las Vegas Aces’ primary talisman. I like seeing the cream of the crop first and foremost. Ionescu, meanwhile, might have taken more of a running mate role to the incomparable Breanna Stewart, but she remains an intriguing watch settling into new responsibilities. And you simply can’t go wrong with Boston.
A No. 1 overall pick? Check.
The former cornerstone of the best modern program in Women’s college basketball? Check.
A tenacious force of nature who is already taking on various endorsements and commercials? Yes, please!
4
College football: Caleb Williams, Brock Bowers, Arch Manning
Working title: “Generational”
We usually throw out the term “generational” a bit too much in the traditional sports context. How many athletes can really come along once every 15 years or so? Not everyone is special! Some people are just very good!
But this label applies to Williams, and there’s no question about it. He’s special, not just very good. The USC Trojan signal caller and reigning Heisman is a dynamite talent capable of winning any game on the strength of his missile-like arm and uncanny poise in the pocket. I would love nothing more than to see how the presumable No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft operates in his last college season.
Similar sentiments apply to Brock Bowers, who might be the best pure tight-end prospect since Kyle Pitts. Heck, the Georgia Bulldog might actually be better. Bowers is a 6-foot-4, 229-pound mutant who can abuse any linebacker or cornerback. He’ll be the unquestioned face of a Georgia team seeking a three-peat.
I’d be remiss if I overlooked the latest Manning football prodigy. The year 2023 will mark the first snaps the young Manning takes with the Texas Longhorns. You have the family drama, the weight of those high expectations, and a struggling Texas Longhorns program looking to finally get up off the mat. Manning’s initial time in Austin is oozing with intrigue.
5
NBA: Joel Embiid, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mikal Bridges
Working title: “Superstar”
In the NBA’s current constellation of superstars, there is no better pick for an intimate documentary than Embiid. Of all the NBA players with personality and flare, I have zero doubt Embiid would bring a uniquely eccentric and engaging spin. Gilgeous-Alexander is a household name to any diehard hoops head but is probably still lesser known to folks who follow the league more casually. Far be it from me to make editorial decisions, but a young 30-plus-point scorer fits right into this idea.
And if we’re looking for a little bit of cast-off, rising drama, Bridges is the man. A player traded for the aging Kevin Durant, Bridges started blossoming into a genuine No. 1 option last year. In the long run, he might turn the Brooklyn Nets into the powerhouse they were hoping to be with Durant. Now wouldn’t that be spectacular (and spicy) to see first-hand?
