BREAKING: Netflix Set to Release “THE CHRONICLES” Unveiling the Untold Legend of Peyton Manning’s Tennessee Vols Reign
Knoxville, TN
In what is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated sports biopics of the decade, Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of “THE CHRONICLES,” a powerful new feature film chronicling the legendary college football career of Peyton Manning and his unforgettable years as the heart and soul of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Slated for global release this fall, THE CHRONICLES promises to deliver a raw, emotional, and exhilarating cinematic journey into the life of one of college football’s greatest quarterbacks. For die-hard Volunteers fans and football lovers alike, the film offers a rare window into the rise of a young man who became a living symbol of excellence in orange and white.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, the film traces Manning’s transformation from a high school phenom in New Orleans to a household name in Knoxville. From his iconic #16 jersey to his fierce leadership on the field, THE CHRONICLES captures the intensity, passion, and pressure that defined Manning’s four years at Tennessee from 1994 to 1997.
The film also explores lesser-known aspects of Manning’s collegiate journey — the early doubts, the SEC battles, the heartbreaking near-misses, and the unbreakable bond he built with Volunteer Nation.
In a statement released by Netflix, Fuqua described the film as “not just a football movie, but a story of character, commitment, and what it means to carry the weight of a state’s hope on your shoulders.”
Peyton Manning’s legacy at Tennessee remains etched in SEC and college football lore. Over his college career, Manning threw for 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns, rewriting school and conference record books in the process. Known for his relentless preparation, surgical precision, and game-day grit, Manning led the Vols to a 39–6 record as a starter.
Despite narrowly missing out on a national championship and the Heisman Trophy, Manning’s loyalty to the university and his decision to return for his senior season elevated him from star athlete to beloved legend in Knoxville.
In one memorable scene from the film, sources say, an emotional reenactment of Manning’s final game at Neyland Stadium will be depicted — a moment that saw over 100,000 fans chanting his name in a tear-soaked farewell.
The Netflix production boasts a powerful ensemble cast, with Michael Evans Behling (from All American) stepping into the role of Peyton Manning. Several real-life figures from Manning’s playing days — including former head coach Phillip Fulmer, teammates, SEC rivals, and even broadcasters — will make appearances either in dramatized form or through archival footage.
What makes THE CHRONICLES truly unique is its blend of Hollywood dramatization and documentary-style storytelling. The film incorporates never-before-seen locker room footage, intimate interviews, personal journal entries, and emotional reflections from Manning himself.
Speaking briefly about the project, Peyton Manning shared: “My years at Tennessee shaped who I am, on and off the field. I’m honored that this story is being told — not just mine, but the story of every teammate, every coach, and every fan who made those years unforgettable.”
THE CHRONICLES is scheduled for a November 15, 2025 global release, streaming exclusively on Netflix. Early previews will be shown at select college campuses and film festivals, with a red-carpet premiere expected in Knoxville, where the legend was born.
Merchandise, behind-the-scenes specials, and a limited-edition Vols-themed collector’s box will accompany the release, as Netflix leans into what many believe could become a cultural moment in the world of sports entertainment.
At its heart, THE CHRONICLES is more than just the story of Peyton Manning. It is a cinematic tribute to Tennessee football, to the traditions of Neyland Stadium, the roar of the Volunteer Navy, and the enduring power of a quarterback who gave everything to his team, his school, and his fans.
As the world prepares to relive Manning’s Tennessee journey, one thing is certain: the legend lives on — not just in the record books, but in every echo of “Rocky Top” that rings through the Smoky Mountains.
