Peyton Manning & Jamie Horowitz Champion Change Through “The Buddy Way” Documentary

The intersection of innovation and tradition in college football takes center stage in “The Buddy Way,” the latest documentary from Jamie Horowitz and Omaha Productions. Set to premiere January 29 on ESPN2, the film explores the transformative legacy of Dartmouth coach Buddy Teevens through Horowitz’s distinctive storytelling approach.

Under Horowitz’s creative direction, Omaha Productions has established itself as a leader in sports media by producing content that resonates beyond traditional sports audiences. With “The Buddy Way,” Horowitz brings together industry veterans, including director Rory Karpf, to craft a narrative that speaks to both football enthusiasts and viewers interested in stories of innovation and change.

“Our goal was to capture not just what Buddy did, but why it mattered,” explains Horowitz. “His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom in the name of player safety and inclusivity offers lessons that extend far beyond football.” This approach reflects Horowitz’s broader vision for sports content that enlightens while it entertains.

A New Approach to Sports Documentation

Working with co-founder Peyton Manning, Horowitz helped shape the documentary’s unique perspective on Teevens’ impact. The film explores his pioneering initiatives, from eliminating full-contact practices to developing innovative training technology and hiring female coaches. Through careful production choices and intimate access to key figures, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Horowitz and his team have created a documentary that explores the human side of sports innovation.

“When you don’t know that you don’t know, it’s a lot different than when you do know that you don’t know,” Horowitz often says, quoting Coach Bill Parcells. This philosophy guided the production team’s approach to research and storytelling, ensuring they captured the full depth of Teevens’ influence on football.

Building on Established Success

The documentary benefits from Horowitz’s extensive experience in media production. His background in developing successful programming like First Take and SportsNation informed the film’s approach to engaging viewers while maintaining journalistic integrity.

“I spend a lot of time reminding the team that being right is not the most important thing,” Horowitz notes. “Focus less on being right and more on determining what your goal is and then we can discuss the best path to getting there.” This perspective helped shape the documentary’s balanced approach to covering both Teevens’ successes and the challenges he faced.

Creating Lasting Impact

Omaha Productions continues to push boundaries in sports storytelling under Horowitz’s leadership. “The Buddy Way” represents another milestone in their mission to produce content that celebrates innovation while promoting positive change in sports.

The documentary’s recent Paley Center screening brought together leaders from across the sports world, demonstrating the broad appeal of Horowitz’s storytelling approach. The film features never-before-seen footage and personal anecdotes that illuminate Teevens’ impact on both individual lives and the broader landscape of football.

Manning’s personal connection to Teevens through the Manning Passing Academy adds depth to the narrative. “Jamie recognized how to balance the personal and professional elements of Buddy’s story,” Manning notes. “He understood that the most compelling sports stories are ultimately about people.”

Following its ESPN2 premiere, an extended version will be available on ESPN+, offering viewers additional insight into Teevens’ legacy. The project represents another milestone in Horowitz’s mission to create content that celebrates innovation while promoting positive change in sports.

Under Horowitz’s leadership, Omaha Productions continues to push boundaries in sports storytelling. “The Buddy Way” stands as a testament to his belief that sports documentaries can do more than document history – they can inspire future generations to think differently about the games they love.