Tubi has acquired the six-episode sports documentary series “Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story,” which looks at how the football player went from an unknown high school player to the eventual leader of the Miami Hurricanes team — and most recently, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Variety had previously reported that Firebrand Media Group was working on a doc about Ward as the first episode of a larger “Zero Star” series, but it can now confirm that the project has been reworked into the multi-part “Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story,” which debuts on Tubi in September.
“Cam’s journey isn’t just about football — it’s about heart, belief, and the power of second chances,” said director and Firebrand partner Alec Roth. “This series gives viewers an unfiltered look at a young man who was told ‘no’ at every stage yet refused to quit. From backyard games in West Columbia to draft night glory, Cam’s story unfolds across six episodes filled with raw emotion, defining moments, and behind-the-scenes access. It’s a modern hero’s journey — and a blueprint for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked.”
Ward was famously a high school athlete with just one Division I college offer, but eventually became the superstar quarterback for Miami. Firebrand said it was given “unprecedented access” to Ward’s life, and describes the series as “a portrait of faith, family, and resilience in the face of constant rejection.”
The series will include archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with Ward, his family, coaches, teachers and teammates.
“Being overlooked — in my shoes, it was a blessing and a curse,” Ward said in a statement. “I overcame the curse by turning adversity into strength and I have played with nothing to lose, which is a blessing. It means you bring it all and leave it all out there on the field and in life.”
“Zero Star” episodes will look at different moments in Ward’s life, including being passed over at regional camps, followed by a record-setting season at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, and then Washington State, which led to a transfer to Miami. Then came his run for the Heisman Trophy, and then cameras followed him to the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Tennessee Titans.
Because he was an unknown high school player, Ward entered college as a “zero-star recruit.” That refers to players who were unranked and unscouted. Ward became the first zero-star recruit to become an NFL first-round pick this century.
“From zero star to No. 1 pick, Cam Ward’s story is a rallying cry to all underdogs to face adversity head-on,” said Sam Harowitz, Tubi’s senior VP of content acquisitions and partnerships. “With Firebrand Media Group, we’re excited to bring this docuseries to Tubi viewers, offering an intimate portrait of the young man behind jersey #1.”
Firebrand Media Group developed and produced “Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story.” Alec Roth (“Billy Knight”) is director; producers include Josh Clayton, Jeff Symon, Kirk Martin, Robby Clifford, Manoj Gandhi, Jelani Hawkins, Peter Morgan, Tuan Bui and producer/editor James Tartanella.
Jeff Symon, on behalf of Firebrand, and Ian Nelson, for Tubi, handled the acquistion. Ward is signed under Firebrand’s Fifteen58 Sports Management vertical.
“We’re proud to partner with Tubi for the exclusive premiere and national release of ‘Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story,’” said Symon, who’s the head of revenue and distribution at Firebrand Media Group. “Tubi has shown tremendous support for our creative vision, allowing us to stay true to the heart of this story while also backing the series with the promotion it deserves. We’re excited for audiences everywhere to experience Cam’s inspiring journey.”