Tom Brady and Jim Harbaugh Executive Produce Michigan Football Documentary
Fox Sports will air a two-part documentary series detailing Michigan's historic championship seasons.
1New Documentary Series Announced
Fox Sports has officially greenlighted a two-part documentary titled The Team: Michigan Football. The project focuses on the university's football program, specifically highlighting its two championship eras. Produced by Shadow Lion, the series features executive production contributions from legendary figures Tom Brady and Jim Harbaugh, aiming to provide an intimate look at history.
2Premiere Dates and Scheduling
The first part of the series is scheduled to premiere on Friday, November 27, at 7 p.m. ET on Fox. This timing coincides with the eve of the Michigan versus Ohio State game. The second part will follow on Saturday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. ET, completing the two-part broadcast event.
3Content and Featured Perspectives
The documentary utilizes never-before-seen footage and firsthand accounts from notable Michigan figures. Participants include Tom Brady, Jim Harbaugh, Charles Woodson, J.J. McCarthy, Urban Meyer, Blake Corum, and Brian Griese. These contributors provide insights into the tradition, intense scrutiny, and the balance between individual ambition and team demands within the historic program.
4The Eye of the Storm
Part one of the series, titled The Eye of the Storm, focuses on Jim Harbaugh’s relationship with the Michigan football program. It covers his tenure as a player and his eventual return to lead the team to the 2023 national championship as head coach, highlighting his personal journey and impact on the team.
5Those Who Stay Focus
Part two, titled Those Who Stay, centers on the team's successful run during the 1990s. This segment explores the journey to the 1997 national championship and chronicles the early rise of Tom Brady as a player. It emphasizes the program's enduring mentality and the legacy established during that specific decade of play.
6Production and Creative Leadership
Shadow Lion is the primary production house for the series, with Jeff Fine serving as director and executive producer. Dexton Deboree serves as co-director. The executive producer team includes Tom Brady, Jim Harbaugh, Gilad Haas, Lior Haas, Philip Byron, Steve Dubin, Dexton Deboree, and Jordan Savage, supported by several co-executive producers.
7Executive Statements on Collaboration
Tom Brady expressed that his years at Michigan shaped his identity as both a player and a person. Fox Sports president Brad Zager noted that the deep ties held by Brady and Harbaugh provide a unique perspective. The production team aimed to bring the program's championship history to life for viewers.
8Significance of the Project
This documentary serves as an archival examination of Michigan's football tradition. By documenting the 1997 and 2023 championship seasons, the series captures the evolution of one of college football's most iconic programs. It provides fans with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the pressures and triumphs that define elite collegiate athletic success.