Peyton Manning, a name synonymous with meticulous preparation and unparalleled dedication, has channeled his legendary work ethic into a new arena: documentary filmmaking. Known for his relentless film study and unwavering commitment to excellence during his storied NFL career, Manning is now offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of elite athletes through his production company, Omaha Productions. The focus of this endeavor is "Full Court Press," a docuseries that delves into the demanding world of women’s college basketball.
Manning’s own experience fuels the series. He readily admits to spending countless hours dissecting game film, a practice he believes contributed significantly to his success. "All the extra film study and all the extra prep – I think people know I was wired that way," he once stated. He even had a dedicated film room in his Indianapolis home where he’d pore over footage late into the night. It’s this passion for understanding the inner workings of athletic achievement that drives "Full Court Press."
The second season of the docuseries, airing on ESPN2, follows three prominent college basketball players: Kiki Iriafen of USC, Flau’jae Johnson of LSU, and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame. The series aims to capture their experiences throughout the most recent college basketball season, offering viewers an unprecedented glimpse into their lives both on and off the court.
While acknowledging the opportune timing of the series, coinciding with the surge in popularity of women’s basketball, Manning emphasizes his genuine fascination with the dedication and work ethic of elite athletes. He believes audiences are equally intrigued by the processes and sacrifices involved in achieving peak performance. "We just want to be a fly on the wall," Manning explains. "Get behind the ropes, show their work ethic and not be a distraction."
The Omaha Productions team was granted remarkable access to the players, mirroring the approach taken in the first season, which featured Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Kiki Rice. They were permitted to film practices, observe locker room dynamics before, during, and after games, regardless of the outcome. Extensive interviews with the athletes, their coaches, and their families provide further insight into their lives and motivations. The cameras also followed the players away from the court, capturing their personal lives and routines.
Manning highlights the intentionality behind the selection of the featured athletes. They represent diverse geographic regions, conferences, and stages of their college careers. Iriafen is a graduate student, Johnson a junior, and Hidalgo a sophomore. This deliberate diversity allows the series to showcase different perspectives and experiences within the realm of elite college basketball. "Our studies have shown people find these follow documentaries more interesting when you have three people and can see the different ways they operate," Manning states, referencing a similar format used in Omaha Productions’ "Quarterback" series on Netflix.
The true strength of "Full Court Press" lies in its unwavering focus on the athletes themselves, portraying them as multifaceted individuals driven by ambition and dedication. The series avoids the common pitfall of solely emphasizing aspirational qualities, instead highlighting the essential elements of competitive sports: drive, hard work, sacrifice, and resilience.
ESPN commentator Chiney Ogwumike encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, stating that Iriafen, Johnson, and Hidalgo are "badass hoopers" playing for legacy, unafraid to embrace their competitive spirit.
The initial episodes of "Full Court Press" place significant emphasis on the players’ relentless defensive prowess. While their offensive abilities are undeniable, the series showcases the intensity and effectiveness of their defensive strategies, highlighting how they disrupt opponents and control the game.
Competitiveness emerges as a recurring theme throughout the series. Hidalgo’s declaration, "I’ve always hated losing more than I love winning," is reinforced by her mother’s anecdote about Hidalgo’s four-day silent treatment following a high school defeat.
The later episodes of the season delve into the challenges and uncertainties faced by the players as the season progresses, including USC’s rivalry with UCLA, Notre Dame’s setbacks, and Johnson’s leg injury that sidelined her during the SEC tournament. "Full Court Press" doesn’t shy away from showcasing the moments of doubt and the difficulties that come with pursuing excellence.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey emphasizes Johnson’s unparalleled work ethic, stating, "The thing that will always make me smile is her work ethic. Flau’jae will work. Sometimes she works too much." Mulkey also expresses concern about the potential for burnout.
The series also includes lighthearted moments, such as Johnson’s tour of Mulkey’s extravagant closet and Iriafen’s attempts to flip quarters off her elbow with her grad school classmates. However, the central focus remains on the dedication and sacrifices required to reach the highest levels of athletic achievement. Manning’s understanding of this dedication is evident, and "Full Court Press" offers viewers a glimpse into the extraordinary efforts these athletes undertake to excel.
Manning recounts his initial conversation with Patrick Mahomes regarding the "Quarterback" series. Mahomes expressed hesitation about opening himself up to such scrutiny. He asked Manning if he would have participated in a similar series during his playing days. Manning admitted he likely would have declined, primarily due to uncertainty about who would be producing it. He clarified that if someone he knew, someone who understood the game and valued work ethic and dedication, was involved, he might have reconsidered.
Manning now embodies that trusted figure, someone who can authentically capture the essence of athletic dedication. "I said to Flau’jae, your grandkids are going to want to know what you used to do, how you went about it," Manning shares. "Hopefully we can show that." He sees "Full Court Press" as a valuable historical document, preserving the stories and legacies of these remarkable athletes for future generations.
