In a move that’s already making waves across both the NFL and film communities, Netflix has officially cast Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx as Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White in an upcoming biopic centered on the Philadelphia Eagles legend.
Titled “Minister of Defense” — the same nickname that followed White throughout his career — the film will chronicle his rise from a humble upbringing in Tennessee to becoming one of the most feared and respected players in NFL history.
Foxx, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles, called the opportunity “a personal honor.”
“Reggie wasn’t just a beast on the field,” Foxx said. “He was a man of faith, leadership, and impact. This story matters.”
Reggie White played for the Eagles from 1985 to 1992, racking up 124 sacks in just 121 games, anchoring one of the most dominant defenses of the late 80s. Beyond his athletic dominance, he was also an ordained minister, earning the nickname “Minister of Defense” both for his sermons and his sacks.
The biopic will not only cover White’s years in Philadelphia but also highlight his impact as a civil rights voice in sports, his spiritual journey, and his Super Bowl triumph with the Green Bay Packers in 1997 before his untimely passing in 2004.
🎬 Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Emancipation) and written by Kwame Kwei-Armah, the project is already drawing early Oscar buzz and is expected to begin filming this fall.
Eagles fans across social media exploded with emotion at the news:
“Jamie Foxx as Reggie? That’s legacy meeting legacy.”
“We’re not crying… okay maybe we are.”
One thing is certain: Reggie White’s legacy deserves the big screen — and now, Netflix is bringing his story to life, one thunderous sack at a time.
The film is slated for a holiday 2026 release and will premiere globally on Netflix.
