NETFLIX IS NO stranger to football docuseries, with its successful show Quarterback tracking some of the NFL's biggest names like Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins throughout the 2022 season. Netflix, recognizing the success of that series, kept the cameras running during the 2023 season—this time on the QB's best friends, the wide receivers (and one tight end). The new show, Receiver, follows some of the top pass-catchers in the league. Executive producer and legendary quarterback Peyton Manning sets the tone in the show's opening:
“They say there’s not a more difficult position in sports than NFL quarterback… but the truth is, throwing a pass is only half the story. With all due respect to offensive linemen, the quarterback’s best friend is this guy: the receiver.”
The docuseries features four wide receivers and one tight end who have major impact in football, and delves into their lives both inside and outside the stadium.
Learn more about the cast below:
Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
The 31-year-old was named to the All-Pro first team for three straight years from 2020 to 2022, leading the league in touchdowns twice. Previously with the Green Bay Packers, Adams formed a "dynamic duo" with MVP Aaron Rodgers during his time there. In March 2022, due to a contract disagreement, Adams was traded to the Raiders, becoming the highest-paid receiver at the time. The show will explore the drama between Adams and his teammate/quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as they strive to recreate the dynamic he had with Rodgers in Green Bay.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Drafted in 2017, Kittle, the only tight end in the show, brings infectious energy both on and off the field. Known for his goofball persona (he has a Joker tattoo too!), Kittle has played for the 49ers for seven seasons, showcasing his best moments in front of Netflix's cameras. The show captures Kittle's journey to earning First Team All-Pro honors, and provides a behind-the-scenes look into his family life with wife Claire and his supportive family, who Netflix reports rents a party bus to and from every one of his home games.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
In 2021, Samuel had a breakout season, becoming the first player since 1999 and third in NFL history to record at least 1,000 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns in one season. "As long as we can get the ball in Deebo’s hands, we’ve always got a shot," Brock Purdy, QB of the 49ers, says in the show's first episode. The show follows Samuel's quest for redemption after the 49ers' loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in 2020.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Widely claimed as the NFL’s best wide receiver, Jefferson set records during his 2020, 2021, and 2022 season, becoming the third wide receiver this century to earn Offensive Player of the Year after the 2022 season. At only 25, he has amassed 5,899 yards, breaking the previous record held by Vikings player Randy Moss. Known for his "griddy" dance celebration after touchdowns, the series documents Jefferson’s successes, as well as his challenges, including his first NFL injury that sidelined him for eight weeks during the 2023 season.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
With a unique background—his father, John Brown, is a two-time Mr. Universe and three-time Mr. World bodybuilder, and his mother is of German descent—St. Brown offers viewers a deeper look into his disciplined routine. The 24-year-old had his best season to date during the filming of the show, a season where he earned his first-team All-Pro nod and helped Detroit capture its first division title since 1993. The show also chronicles the Lions's first postseason victory since 1992.
