When Jamie Horowitz and Peyton Manning decided to tell Buddy Teevens’ story, they knew they were tackling something special. “The Buddy Way,” premiering January 29 on ESPN2, represents Omaha Productions’ commitment to spotlighting transformative figures in sports. Under Horowitz’s creative guidance, the documentary captures the essence of a coach who revolutionized football’s approach to player safety and inclusivity.
The film, directed by veteran sports documentarian Rory Karpf, benefited from Horowitz’s extensive experience in sports media production. Drawing from his background developing successful shows like First Take and SportsNation, Horowitz helped shape a narrative that balances compelling storytelling with important social messages.
“We approach each project with the goal of creating content that resonates beyond the immediate sports community,” Horowitz explains. “Buddy’s story offered us an opportunity to explore themes of innovation, perseverance, and positive change that speak to everyone, not just football fans.”
The documentary features an impressive array of sports personalities sharing their experiences with Teevens. At the recent Paley Center screening, industry leaders gathered to celebrate the film’s completion. The event highlighted how Horowitz and Manning’s partnership continues to attract high-profile support for their productions.
The film meticulously documents Teevens’ pioneering decision to eliminate full-contact practices at Dartmouth, a move that rippled through college football and eventually influenced NFL policies. Under Horowitz’s direction, the documentary explores how this initially controversial choice led to the development of innovative training technology and safer practice methods.
A significant portion of the film focuses on Teevens’ role in advancing women’s participation in football coaching. This aspect particularly resonated with Horowitz and the Omaha Productions team, aligning with their mission to highlight breakthrough moments in sports history.
The journey of bringing “The Buddy Way” to life showcases Horowitz’s expertise in developing compelling sports content. Working closely with Manning and the production team, he helped ensure the documentary maintained both its emotional impact and journalistic integrity.
“Documentaries like this require a delicate balance,” says Horowitz. “You want to honor the subject while telling a story that captures the audience’s imagination. With Buddy’s story, we had an opportunity to do both.”
The premiere of “The Buddy Way” marks another significant milestone for Omaha Productions under Horowitz’s leadership. The company continues to expand its influence in sports media, with plans to release an extended version of the documentary on ESPN+ later this year.
As Horowitz and Manning’s production company continues to grow, “The Buddy Way” stands as a testament to their commitment to meaningful storytelling. The documentary not only honors Teevens’ legacy but also demonstrates Omaha Productions’ ability to create content that resonates with diverse audiences while advancing important conversations in sports.
