Elway (2025) is a U.S. sports documentary about Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. It was directed by Ken Rodgers and produced with Omaha Productions and NFL Films. The documentary is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The film revisits his early Super Bowl heartbreaks—specifically the three losses with the Broncos—before culminating in the ultimate redemption of winning back-to-back Super Bowls late in his career. The documentary will feature his iconic moments, such as the famous playoff game-winning drive known as “The Drive.”
It also covers his early sports career, including the fact that he was drafted by a Major League Baseball team before ultimately choosing to pursue football.
The film is noted for being intensely personal, delving into the devastating succession of his personal losses, including the deaths of his twin sister and father within a short 18-month period, and the dissolution of his first marriage. This emotional depth is what sets the documentary apart, showcasing the “emotion and truth” of his life alongside his athletic achievements.
Elway Age Rating
Netflix officially rates Elway as TV-14, meaning the documentary contains material that may be unsuitable for viewers under 14. The film uses candid interviews and emotionally honest storytelling, especially when discussing personal tragedy and family loss. Parents should expect mature themes and reflective dialogue that may require guidance for younger teens.
Violence & Peril
Violence is minimal and mostly archival sports footage of tackles and injuries. There are no dramatized battle scenes or graphic images. The film’s tension comes from emotional conflict, career setbacks, and personal tragedy rather than physical threat. Parents should expect honest talk about career heartbreaks and the emotional toll of loss.
Language
The documentary uses standard strong language in a few interview segments. Any profanity is brief and contextual, used to convey emotion or emphasize memories. There are no pervasive slur-filled exchanges. Dialogue is generally suited to teenage comprehension but carries an adult tone.
Mature Themes
Elway addresses grief, bereavement, marriage breakdown, and mental strain from fame and loss. It covers the deaths of family members and the emotional fallout in measured, first-person terms. There is discussion of career sacrifice and pressure, and references to adult relationships and coping. Smoking or substance use is not a focal feature.
Is Elway Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s themes of death, marriage breakdown, and emotional trauma may be upsetting. The subject matter and frank first-person reflections make this unsuitable for most preteens.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature themes may be appropriate for some younger teens who are emotionally ready. Parents should preview the film and be prepared to talk about grief and pressure in high-profile careers.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can benefit from the documentary’s look at resilience, leadership, and career highs and lows. A short discussion afterward about coping and loss will help younger viewers process the material.
Final recommendation: Treat Elway as appropriate for mid-teens and older (roughly 14+) with parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch first: Preview the documentary to judge tone and emotional intensity for your child.
- Prepare a short talk: Be ready to explain grief, career pressure, and public life after viewing.
- Use teachable moments: Discuss resilience, decision making, and healthy responses to loss.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Elway?
A: Netflix lists Elway as 13+, and materials note a TV-14 style advisory; treat it as TV-14/13+ for parents.
Q: Is Elway appropriate for kids and teens?
A: It’s not suitable for preteens. Older teens may watch with guidance because of mature emotional themes.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: No graphic violence. Most intensity comes from career setbacks and personal loss, not physical danger.
Q: Does the film contain strong language or slurs?
A: Occasional strong language appears in interviews, used for emphasis. No repeated slurs are reported.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No. The documentary focuses on career and family life, not sexual content.
Q: Where and when can I watch the documentary?
A: Elway streams on Netflix from December 22, 2025.