American Underdog (2021) is a sports biopic that tells the inspirational true story of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves in a grocery store to becoming a Super Bowl champion and league MVP. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, the film stars Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, and Dennis Quaid. It’s a heartfelt look at perseverance, faith, and the long road to success.
Detailed Summary
Early Life and Struggles
The movie begins by showing a young Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi) in college, playing for the University of Northern Iowa. Though talented, Warner faces frustration as he sits on the bench for most of his college career. When he finally gets a chance to start, he showcases his incredible arm strength and leadership on the field. But despite his skills, NFL teams overlook him after graduation — the first of many setbacks.
Warner meets Brenda Meoni (Anna Paquin), a single mother of two who has endured her own challenges, including raising her legally blind son, Zach. The film captures their growing relationship and how Brenda’s faith and resilience deeply influence Kurt’s life.
Working at the Grocery Store
One of the most iconic parts of Warner’s story — and the film — is when he ends up working at a Hy-Vee grocery store stocking shelves to make ends meet. It’s a humbling, quiet period that symbolizes the distance between his dream and his reality. Despite his discouragement, Brenda’s support keeps him grounded and determined.
Arena Football League and Second Chances
Kurt’s fortunes change when he gets a call from Jim Foster (Bruce McGill), coach of the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League (AFL). Though skeptical at first, Warner joins the team, learning the faster-paced indoor game. His natural talent and leadership soon make him a standout star, catching the attention of NFL scouts.
The film captures the scrappy, chaotic nature of arena football — a stark contrast to the NFL — but also shows how this league gives Warner the platform to refine his game and rekindle his dream.
The NFL Call-Up
Warner finally gets another shot at the NFL when he’s invited to the St. Louis Rams training camp. Under Coach Dick Vermeil (Dennis Quaid), he joins as a backup quarterback behind starter Trent Green. Many in the team doubt Warner’s ability to handle the pressure of the big leagues, given his unconventional background.
When Green suffers a devastating knee injury during the preseason, Warner is suddenly thrust into the starting quarterback position — an almost unbelievable turn of events. The Rams’ offensive coordinator, Mike Martz (Chance Kelly), decides to take a gamble on Warner’s arm and composure.
The Season That Changed Everything
Warner’s first game as starter is electric. He throws touchdown after touchdown, leading the Rams to an incredible victory and earning national attention. This begins the rise of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” one of the most dynamic offenses in NFL history.
The film beautifully intertwines his career highs with his personal life — his marriage to Brenda, his bond with her children, and his unshakable faith. These moments ground the story, reminding audiences that Warner’s success wasn’t just athletic, but deeply personal.
Movie Ending
In the climactic final act, the Rams reach Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans. The game is a nail-biter, with both teams trading touchdowns. Warner, showing nerves of steel, throws a stunning 73-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Bruce, giving the Rams the lead late in the fourth quarter.
The Titans mount a final drive, threatening to score as time ticks away. In the film’s dramatic conclusion, the Titans’ receiver Kevin Dyson catches a short pass and runs toward the end zone — only to be tackled just one yard short by Rams linebacker Mike Jones as time expires.
The Rams win 23–16, and Warner is named Super Bowl MVP. The crowd erupts, confetti rains down, and Warner — overwhelmed — hugs Brenda and thanks God for his journey. The ending scene circles back to his earlier struggles, showing how the man who once stocked shelves at a grocery store is now holding the Lombardi Trophy, having reached the pinnacle of American football.
The movie closes with text summarizing Warner’s later career achievements, including his Hall of Fame induction and ongoing charitable work, underlining that his story is not just about football, but perseverance and belief.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, American Underdog does not have a post-credits scene. However, during the end credits, the film includes real footage of Kurt and Brenda Warner, giving viewers a glimpse of the real people behind the story. It’s a touching tribute that reinforces the authenticity of what they endured and achieved.
Type of Movie
American Underdog is a biographical sports drama with strong faith-based and inspirational themes. It blends sports action with emotional storytelling, focusing equally on Warner’s personal life and professional journey.
Cast
- Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner
- Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner
- Dennis Quaid as Coach Dick Vermeil
- Chance Kelly as Mike Martz
- Ser’Darius Blain as Mike Hudnutt
- Bruce McGill as Jim Foster
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by John Debney, whose work adds emotional depth and energy to the story. His compositions combine stirring orchestral elements with subtle Americana tones, reflecting both the underdog struggle and triumphant spirit of Warner’s journey.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed primarily in Oklahoma and Georgia, with key scenes shot at BancFirst Stadium in Tulsa and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. These locations doubled for NFL venues like the St. Louis Rams’ home field, giving the film an authentic football atmosphere while keeping production costs manageable.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, American Underdog was well-received within faith-based and sports film circles. It received nominations from the Movieguide Awards and the Heartland Film Festival for its uplifting storytelling and family-friendly message.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Zachary Levi trained with real football coaches and watched extensive footage of Kurt Warner to mimic his throwing style.
- The real Kurt Warner visited the set multiple times and even advised on dialogue authenticity.
- Brenda Warner (played by Anna Paquin) personally met with Paquin to discuss her real-life experiences, particularly her struggles as a military mom and widow.
- Dennis Quaid reportedly modeled his performance on the real Dick Vermeil’s famously emotional coaching style — even rewatching old NFL game tapes.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season,” the autobiography co-written by Kurt Warner and Michael Silver. The movie closely follows the book’s themes of perseverance, faith, and love, though it condenses some events for cinematic pacing.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No alternate endings have been publicly released, but early drafts of the script reportedly included more detail about Warner’s time with the Green Bay Packers, where he was cut before joining the AFL. The filmmakers trimmed it to maintain a tighter narrative focus on his journey from struggle to triumph.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The book delves more deeply into Warner’s faith journey and his reflections on how divine timing shaped his career. The film keeps this theme but streamlines the narrative, focusing more on the romance with Brenda and his football career milestones to appeal to broader audiences.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Warner practicing in the cold Iowa fields with no scouts watching.
- His first arena football game — chaotic, fast, and exhilarating.
- The moment he’s told he’ll start for the Rams.
- The locker room pep talk before the Super Bowl.
- The final tackle stopping the Titans at the one-yard line.
Iconic Quotes
- Kurt Warner: “Destiny belongs to the underdogs.”
- Brenda Warner: “You weren’t made to fit in, Kurt. You were made to stand out.”
- Coach Vermeil: “Sometimes you gotta take a chance on a man who believes in miracles.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The grocery store scenes feature actual Hy-Vee branding, the real chain where Warner worked.
- The Rams’ locker room set includes Warner’s original Bible verse inscription on his locker.
- The final shot mirrors an iconic photo of the real Kurt Warner kneeling in prayer after the Super Bowl.
Trivia
- Kurt Warner is the only undrafted quarterback in NFL history to win both the Super Bowl and league MVP.
- The movie was released on Christmas Day 2021, symbolically connecting to its faith-based message.
- Directors Andrew and Jon Erwin previously directed I Can Only Imagine, another biopic centered around faith and perseverance.
Why Watch?
American Underdog is not just about football — it’s about resilience, love, and belief in oneself when the odds seem impossible. It’s perfect for viewers who enjoy inspirational true stories, sports dramas, or films that blend emotional depth with thrilling gameplay.
Director’s Other Movies
- I Can Only Imagine (2018)
- Woodlawn (2015)
- Mom’s Night Out (2014)
