🎥 Netflix to Premiere Documentary Honoring BYU Legend LaVell Edwards:
By Morgan Steele – Sports & Culture Writer | June 23, 2025
In an announcement as grand as the legacy it celebrates, Netflix has officially unveiled plans for a feature-length documentary entitled “Quarterback of Faith: The Life of LaVell Edwards.” This anticipated film honors BYU’s unforgettable Hall of Fame coach and spiritual trailblazer, whose visionary leadership forever transformed college football.
Spanning five decades, the documentary explores Edwards’ journey from the dusty gridirons of Collegeville, Minnesota, to Provo’s Cougar Stadium, where he forged one of the most exciting offenses in NCAA history. Through rare archival footage, intimate sit‑down interviews, and poignant dramatizations, “Quarterback of Faith” delves deep into the man behind the playbook: the mentor, the believer, and the innovator.
A Touchdown Beyond the X’s and O’s
The microfilm captures electrifying moments—tight spirals connecting with future NFL superstars, wild cheering crowds storming the field after the 1984 Holiday Bowl, and emotional postgame locker rooms brimming with both tears and triumph. Viewers relive Edwards’ signature “Airplane Formation” and his audacious decision to entrust freshman Ty Detmer in 1989, a call that blossomed into a Heisman-winning career.
But even more compelling are the quieter scenes: a tired LaVell walking the campus grounds at dusk, pausing to pray by the Y Mountain, early mornings spent in scripture study before team breakfasts, and a tearful conversation with his wife, Pat, about the pressures of keeping family grounded amid fame.
“He showed me how to lead with integrity,” shares Doug Jolley, former BYU All-American tight end, in one pivotal interview scene. “He never treated you like an athlete first—he saw your soul.”
Voices That Echo Forever
Joining Jolley, the documentary brings together voices from across the sports spectrum: Steve Young, Rocket Ismail, Jim McMahon, and even rival coaches like LaVell’s longtime friend and former opponent, Barry Switzer, who praises him as “a coach who respected the game, God, and every man in his huddle.” Family members—including sons Mike and Mack—offer heartfelt reflections on their father’s dual role as their coach and spiritual compass.
Faith, Family, and the Broader Influence
Netflix frames “Quarterback of Faith” as more than a sports retrospective—it’s a chronicle of how one man’s convictions reshaped a program and inspired generations. The film spotlights Edwards’ decision to integrate prayer into team culture, his advocacy for athlete academic success, and his unwavering message that victory begins with character. A stirring montage shows current BYU players in 2025 holding “Legacy Week” festivities, echoing their coach’s lessons on discipline, humility, and service.
Cinematic Brilliance Behind the Scenes
Director Alex Hernandez, lauded for his prior sports documentaries, brings cinematic elegance to every frame. A hushed black‑and‑white re‑creation shows a young LaVell scribbling plays on a chalkboard, followed by a vibrant burst of color as they are executed under stadium lights. The score, a sweeping blend of choral hymns and pulsating drumlines, mirrors Edwards’ balance of spiritual depth and competitive fire.
A Timely Tribute
Timed for release on September 1, 2025—just ahead of BYU’s kickoff season and the 25th anniversary of Edwards’ passing—Netflix’s documentary aims to ignite renewed appreciation. In the streaming era, where sports documentaries like “Last Dance” and “Lance” have found vast audiences, “Quarterback of Faith” seeks to leave a deeper imprint: one built on belief, legacy, and leadership.
Final Drive: Legacy in Motion
As the Netflix trailer closes with the stirring tag, “Winning was never just about football,” viewers are left with a clear truth: LaVell Edwards didn’t just coach teams—he shaped lives. Whether you’re a football aficionado, a BYU Cougar, or someone seeking purpose under the lights of competition, this documentary promises a journey both rousing and reverent.
“Quarterback of Faith: The Life of LaVell Edwards” premieres exclusively on Netflix on September 1.
