The Buddy Way

ABOUT THIS ENTRY

The Buddy Way is a documentary series, produced in partnership with ESPN, honoring the life and legacy of Buddy Teevens, a groundbreaking football coach whose influence spanned college football and the NFL. A passion project for Peyton Manning and the Manning family, the film explores Teevens' generational impact through personal stories, rare archival footage, and interviews with those he mentored.

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

The Buddy Way excels in engagement by delivering a deeply personal yet universally resonant story. Rather than simply recounting Teevens’ career, the documentary immerses viewers in his philosophy, his relationships, and the innovations that changed football.

The film’s emotional depth is its biggest strength. The personal stories from NFL legends, coaches, and former players make Teevens’ impact tangible, showing not just what he achieved, but how he made people feel. By incorporating heartfelt testimonials with historical context, the documentary appeals to both football insiders and general audiences.

The Buddy Way uncovers the hidden history behind innovations we now take for granted—safer football practices, expanded coaching opportunities for women, and a more player-focused approach to leadership.

The documentary shows how his ideas—like no-tackle practices and the MVP robotic tackling dummy—helped reduce injuries and reshape the game. It also highlights his role in opening doors for female coaches, a shift that has since become integral to the sport. The film connects Teevens’ legacy to the modern game, turning what might seem like just a history story into a broader reflection on progress in football, making his impact undeniable.

Objective

The goal of The Buddy Way is to ensure Buddy Teevens’ story is told and his legacy preserved. As a coach, he was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless athletes, from SEC quarterbacks to NFL executives, yet his impact went far beyond the game. He redefined player safety, championed diversity in coaching, and built lifelong relationships that extended across college and professional football.

This documentary, driven personally by Peyton Manning and the Manning family, seeks to highlight both the personal and professional sides of Teevens. It captures his kindness, his relentless innovation, and his ability to connect with people in a way that left a lasting mark. More than just a biography, the film serves as both a tribute and a call to action—showcasing how one person’s vision can change the sport for the better. Through rare footage and firsthand accounts, The Buddy Way cements Teevens’ influence in football history.

Strategy & Execution

The documentary blends in-depth interviews, exclusive archival content, and carefully curated storytelling to showcase Teevens’ impact. Interviews were conducted with key figures at the Manning Passing Academy, where Teevens played a crucial role in mentoring young quarterbacks, as well as at his Celebration of Life at Dartmouth, where NFL executives and former players shared their memories. Contributors include Peyton and Archie Manning, Roger Goodell, Robert Kraft, and several current NFL coaches who were influenced by Teevens’ coaching tree.

Exclusive access sets this film apart—featuring never-before-seen footage from the Manning Passing Academy and intimate moments from inside Dartmouth’s locker room. The storytelling balances personal anecdotes with historical significance, illustrating how Teevens’ ideas—such as eliminating tackling in practice—became a game-changing approach that reduced injuries across football. Through a mix of interviews, recreations, and archival material, The Buddy Way delivers an emotional yet insightful tribute to a coach who quietly reshaped the game.

Organizations

• Omaha Productions
• ESPN

Links

•   Website

Featured

• Eugene F. "Buddy" Teevens

Credits

Rory Karpf
Director
First Row Films

Murry Bowden
Executive Producer
The Hanover Company

Jane Goodell
Executive Producer
N/A

Peyton Manning
Executive Producer
Omaha Productions

Jamie Horowitz
Executive Producer
Omaha Productions

Therese Andrews
Executive Producer
Omaha Productions

Tim Brown
Senior Producer
Omaha Productions

Jeremy Lundblad
Senior Producer
N/A

Mike Harrity
Supervising Producer
N/A

Sean Rodgers
Associate Producer
N/A

Max Mirkin
Associate Producer
Omaha Productions

Kelly Rafferty
Production Manager
Omaha Productions

Mark Sixt
Line Producer
Latchkey Films

Vin D'Anton
Archival Producer
Words + Pictures

Heather Scheer
Business Affairs
Omaha Productions