Omaha Productions’ Jamie Horowitz and Peyton Manning Honor Coach Teevens’ Legacy in New ESPN Documentary

In a powerful new documentary from Omaha Productions, co-founders Jamie Horowitz and Peyton Manning bring to life the inspiring story of college football innovator Buddy Teevens. “The Buddy Way,” premiering January 29 on ESPN2 and ESPN+, chronicles the remarkable journey of the late Dartmouth coach who revolutionized player safety and inclusivity in football.

The feature-length documentary, directed by Rory Karpf, showcases Teevens’ transformative impact on college football, particularly his groundbreaking decision in 2010 to eliminate full-contact practices. This bold move, initially met with skepticism, ultimately influenced both the Ivy League and NFL to adopt similar safety measures.

“The Buddy Way is the type of content Omaha Productions strives to create,” says Jamie Horowitz, President and co-founder of Omaha Productions. “We love stories that highlight the human side of sports and the individuals who make a lasting impact.” This perspective aligns with Horowitz’s track record of developing compelling sports narratives throughout his career in sports media.

The documentary carries special significance for Peyton Manning, who shared a longstanding connection with Teevens through the Manning Passing Academy. “Every summer, Buddy was a mainstay in our life,” Manning reflects in the film, highlighting their decades-long relationship that began when Teevens attempted to recruit him to Tulane University.

Under the creative direction of Horowitz and Manning, the documentary explores Teevens’ pioneering initiatives, including his role in developing the Mobile Virtual Player, a robotic tackling device now used by NFL teams. The film also highlights Teevens’ groundbreaking decision to hire female coaches, several of whom have gone on to secure positions in the NFL.

The project represents another milestone for Omaha Productions, which Horowitz and Manning founded in 2020 with a mission to create uplifting content that unifies audiences. Since its inception, the company has produced several successful series, including the Emmy award-winning ManningCast and various documentaries for major networks.

A special screening at The Paley Center drew notable figures from across the sports world, including Horowitz, Manning, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and various sports personalities, underscoring the documentary’s significance in sports media. The event highlighted how Teevens’ story resonates beyond football, touching on themes of innovation, perseverance, and positive change.

The documentary benefits from the complementary strengths of its executive producers. Horowitz brings his extensive experience in sports media production and storytelling, while Manning contributes his deep understanding of football and personal connection to Teevens. Their collaboration has resulted in a compelling narrative that captures both the professional achievements and personal impact of Teevens’ career.

“The Buddy Way” adds to Omaha Productions’ growing portfolio of content that celebrates sports culture while highlighting important social progress. The documentary showcases how Horowitz and Manning’s production company continues to evolve, delivering programming that resonates with both dedicated sports fans and broader audiences interested in stories of human achievement and positive change.

The documentary will be available on ESPN+ following its premiere, with plans for an extended version that will provide additional insight into Teevens’ legacy and lasting influence on American football.