Quarterback Season 3: A Must-Watch NFL Documentary

Silhouette of football player wearing jersey number 12 walking from tunnel to field

I’m not a huge fan of the NFL. The games are so long but I appreciate a good game. And things can get exciting in the 4th quarter. So I decided to give this show a try.

It’s actually more enjoyable than watching a real game.

Quarterback Season 3 (often referred to as Quaterback Series 3) is an outstanding, deeply engaging Netflix documentary series that delivers one of the most intimate and compelling looks yet at life as an NFL quarterback.

Released on July 14, 2026, this third installment follows four signal-callers at distinctly different stages of their careers through the full 2025 NFL season: Washington Commanders dual-threat star Jayden Daniels (building on his impressive rookie year), Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran Baker Mayfield (with his signature fire and resilience), Tennessee Titans No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward (navigating the intense pressures of a rookie campaign), and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco (embarking on a surprising midseason trade and new chapter with the Cincinnati Bengals).

Produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, NFL Films, and Patrick Mahomes’ 2PM Productions, the series continues the franchise’s high standard of exclusive, fly-on-the-wall access.

What elevates Season 3 is its thoughtful casting and storytelling balance. Rather than focusing solely on championship contenders, it captures a rich cross-section of the quarterback experience—the soaring expectations and growing pains of youth, the mid-career battles for consistency and relevance, the veteran’s wisdom mixed with uncertainty, and the raw physical and mental toll of the position.

Viewers get unprecedented behind-the-scenes moments: pre-snap reads and audibles, locker-room reactions after wins and losses, film-study sessions, recovery from injuries, family life, and the personal sacrifices required to perform at this level. Daniels’ journey (including the role of his mother, an NFLPA-certified agent), Mayfield’s competitive edge and family milestones, Ward’s early professional adjustments and character-revealing moments, and Flacco’s unique midseason transition all feel authentic and layered.

The production quality shines throughout. NFL Films’ signature cinematic style, sharp editing that interweaves the four narratives effectively within episodes, and strong mic’d-up audio create an immersive experience.

The series highlights both the glory and the grit—spectacular plays and leadership moments alongside the grind of injuries, pressure, and the fragility of an NFL career—without feeling exploitative. Family dynamics, personal growth, and the human side of these athletes add emotional depth that appeals beyond hardcore football fans, while the football-specific details (play calls, defensive reads, weekly preparation) fully satisfy dedicated viewers.

Season 3 builds successfully on the strengths of prior seasons, refining the format into a reliable showcase of the most demanding position in sports. It underscores leadership, resilience, toughness, and the pursuit of greatness in a way that feels both educational and entertaining. The all-at-once release format makes it perfect for binge-watching, and the seven-episode structure maintains excellent pacing across the season’s arc.

In short, Quarterback Season 3 is a must-watch for NFL enthusiasts and sports documentary fans alike. Four stars out of five from me.

Colin Farrell’s Haunting Performance in a Macau Gambling Drama

Some films linger in your mind long after you would think. They make you think, leaving a permanent mark on your mind. Ballad of a Small Player is one of those films. It reminds me of Leaving Las Vegas, except this time a gambling addict rather than an alcoholic is the central figure. And it’s set in Macau, the gambling Mecca of China.

Colin Farrell is back! His first film in quite some time. He gives a committed, raw, and deeply haunting performance as Brendan Reilly, aka Lord Doyle — a once-privileged con man now at the mercy of his gambling addiction and debts. He embodies both the swagger and fragility of a man on the brink.

His luck has deserted him, and the walls are closing in on all sides. Reilly meets Dao Ming, an enigmatic credit broker.

Comforted by Reilly after one of her despondent clients jumps to his death, a guilt-stricken Dao brings him to a temple on the water for the first night of the Ghost Festival. Though she fears her own luck has run out, Reilly believes his fortune can turn in both their favor. However, he wakes up alone with a number written on his hand.

What follows is a complex, somewhat fantastical tale about a gambler whose fortune changes when he needs it most. But now he fears for his soul as he engages in a dangerous waltz to come out the other side.

I give the film four stars out of five.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you made of it in the comments.