Netflix Announces ‘Voice of National Football League’ Documentary Featuring Derby County
In a surprising and intriguing move,
Netflix has announced a new
documentary titled Voice of National
Football League, which—despite its
American football theme—will feature a
fascinating connection to English
football club Derby County.
The upcoming documentary will
primarily explore the rich history of
NFL broadcasting, spotlighting the iconic
commentators and announcers whose
voices helped shape the way millions
experienced the sport. However, what
sets this documentary apart is its
unexpected yet compelling inclusion of
Derby County, offering a unique twist to
a story rooted in American culture.
According to early reports from Netflix,
the film will highlight the influence of
British commentary styles on American
sports broadcasting, and Derby County
plays a central role in that exploration.
The documentary will delve into how
football broadcasting evolved on both
sides of the Atlantic, drawing intriguing
parallels between the two sports
cultures.
As part of the storyline, Voice of National Football League will showcase a segment about a former NFL broadcaster who was heavily inspired by English football commentary—and in particular, by the vocal traditions surrounding Derby County matches. This broadcaster, now regarded as a pioneering voice in the NFL, spent time in England during the 1980s, where he closely followed Derby County and studied the expressive, poetic style of British football commentators.
This unique cross-cultural influence helped shape his broadcasting voice back in the U.S., contributing to a new wave of emotionally resonant and richly descriptive American football commentary. The documentary will feature interviews with this commentator, Derby County historians, and archival footage from matches at Pride Park, offering viewers a new perspective on how football culture travels and transforms.
“We’re always looking for surprising, untold stories,” said a Netflix spokesperson. “This documentary doesn’t just celebrate NFL voices—it also shows how international influences, including from a club like Derby County, played an important role in shaping those voices.”
Derby County officials have expressed enthusiasm about the unexpected attention. In a statement released on the club’s official website, they noted, “It’s an honour to be featured in a global documentary by Netflix. The connection between our club and American football may not be obvious at first glance, but the story is a reminder of football’s universal language and shared traditions.”
For supporters of the Rams, the announcement brings a sense of pride. Fans took to social media to share their excitement, expressing interest in seeing their beloved club featured in a documentary that spans continents and sports. “Derby County and the NFL in the same sentence? That’s something you don’t hear every day,” one fan posted. “Can’t wait to watch it.”
Set for release later this year, Voice of National Football League promises to offer more than just a look at the evolution of NFL commentary. With its unexpected Derby County connection, the film will blend American football heritage with English football tradition, proving once again that sport—regardless of its form—has the power to connect people across borders and generations.
