Netflix is set to premiere a compelling new documentary titled *“Pappy’s Promise: The Dawn of Mountaineer Dominance”* on August 15, 2025. This film delves into the transformative era of West Virginia University (WVU) football under the leadership of Coach Art “Pappy” Lewis, who helmed the Mountaineers from 1950 to 1959.([INDIANA SPORTS 24][1])
Coach Lewis’s tenure marked a significant turning point for WVU football. In 1953, he led the team to its first Southern Conference championship, a milestone that laid the foundation for the program’s future successes. The documentary explores Lewis’s innovative coaching strategies, his emphasis on discipline and teamwork, and his enduring impact on the players and the university.([INDIANA SPORTS 24][1])
*“Pappy’s Promise”* features a rich tapestry of archival footage, interviews with former players and historians, and insights into the cultural and athletic landscape of the 1950s. Viewers will gain an intimate understanding of how Lewis’s leadership not only elevated the football program but also instilled a lasting sense of pride and unity within the WVU community.
Eleanor Vance, Netflix’s Head of Historical Documentaries, commented on the project: “Art Lewis is a foundational figure in the history of West Virginia Mountaineers football. His leadership in securing the program’s first conference championship was a pivotal moment, and ‘Pappy’s Promise’ will explore the dedication and vision that made it possible. We are honored to share his story and the beginnings of WVU’s championship legacy.”([INDIANA SPORTS 24][1])
The documentary is part of Netflix’s broader initiative to highlight significant moments and figures in college football history. By focusing on Coach Lewis’s era, the film offers not only a sports narrative but also a reflection on the societal and institutional changes of the time.([INDIANA SPORTS 24][1])
For fans of college football, historians, and members of the Mountaineer community, *“Pappy’s Promise”* promises to be an enlightening and inspiring portrayal of a coach whose vision and determination left an indelible mark on West Virginia University. The documentary will be available for streaming on Netflix starting August 15, 2025.([INDIANA SPORTS 24]