American Underdog

American Underdog

Year: 2021

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Directors: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin

BiographyDramaSport

This inspiring true story follows Kurt Warner's improbable rise from a grocery store stockboy to a Super Bowl champion. Facing numerous setbacks and doubts, Warner perseveres with the support of his devoted wife Brenda and a strong network of family, coaches, and teammates. The film highlights his unwavering determination and resilience as he pursues his dreams of NFL stardom, demonstrating that even the most extraordinary achievements are possible with hard work and belief.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – American Underdog (2021)

Trace every key event in American Underdog (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Kurt's Inspiration

A young Kurt Warner watches Super Bowl XIX, where he is inspired by the greatness of the game. This moment ignites a dream in him to one day become an MVP quarterback, setting the stage for his future aspirations.

2

College Football Journey

Years later, Kurt finds himself at the University of Northern Iowa, enduring a fifth year under Coach Terry Allen's mentorship. Despite spending most of his time on the bench, he remains determined to earn his chance to showcase his abilities.

University of Northern Iowa
3

A Chance to Shine

Kurt finally gets his opportunity as a starting quarterback but struggles during a crucial game. His mentor's frustrations lead to the threat of being benched once more, forcing Kurt to reflect on his commitment and fundamentals.

4

Meeting Brenda

During this time, Kurt meets Brenda at a local country bar, which sparks a romance between them. He becomes determined to learn how to dance in an effort to impress her, even as she grapples with her responsibilities as a single mother.

Country bar
5

Brenda's Struggles

Brenda opens up about her challenging past, including her time in the Marines and the heartache from her tumultuous marriage. She reveals the struggles surrounding her disabled son, Zach, who suffered from a tragic accident.

6

NFL Draft Heartbreak

After completing his college career, Kurt anxiously waits for the NFL draft results but faces disappointment when he does not get selected. He learns about a potential opportunity with the Green Bay Packers, but his aspirations seem increasingly out of reach.

7

Facing Homelessness

Following a failed tryout with the Packers, Kurt finds himself homeless, resorting to living in Brenda's basement. He works at a grocery store to make ends meet while trying to keep his dreams of football alive.

Brenda's basement
8

A Harsh Winter

During one of the coldest winters in 25 years, Kurt faces extreme financial hardship. In a desperate bid to find fuel for their vehicle, he treks through a brutal blizzard, demonstrating his resilience and commitment.

9

Opportunity with Iowa Barnstormers

Kurt's fortunes change when Jim Foster offers him a chance to play quarterback for the Iowa Barnstormers. Despite his initial skepticism, he recognizes this as his opportunity to prove himself in football.

Iowa
10

Rising Tensions

As Kurt navigates the fast-paced world of Arena football, he faces both triumph and difficulty. The pressures of sport begin to strain his relationship with Brenda, challenging their love and resilience.

11

Tragedy and Reconciliation

After Brenda suffers a tragic loss when her parents die in a tornado, she and Kurt find their way back to each other. They navigate their struggles together and eventually decide to get married, solidifying their bond.

12

St. Louis Rams Tryout

Kurt receives an invitation to try out for the St. Louis Rams, where he faces both doubt and encouragement. He feels the pressure from the offensive coordinator but also finds support from head coach Dick Vermeil.

13

From Underdog to Starter

When starting quarterback Trent Green gets injured, Kurt steps up to take over the role. He embraces the challenge and proves his worth, quickly becoming a key player for the team.

St. Louis Rams
14

Debut Game Success

In his first game as a starter, Kurt faces the intimidating Baltimore Ravens defense. After an initially rocky performance, he gains composure and leads his team to a significant victory, solidifying his place in the league.

St. Louis
15

Super Bowl Triumph

Kurt leads the Rams to an impressive 13-3 season and ultimately to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans. He achieves record-breaking stats and is honored with both Super Bowl MVP and League MVP awards.

Super Bowl XXXIV
16

Legacy and Hall of Fame

The film concludes by highlighting Kurt's future success, including participation in two more Super Bowls and his eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. He continues his journey with Brenda, raising their large family.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:24

Unlock the Full Story of American Underdog

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American Underdog Summary

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American Underdog Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in American Underdog

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Characters, Settings & Themes in American Underdog

American Underdog Ending Explained

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American Underdog Ending Explained

More About American Underdog

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More About American Underdog

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