New HBO Documentary Revisits Kordell Stewart's Steelers Career and the Rumours That Followed
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart is the subject of a new HBO short documentary, and he has told The Hollywood Reporter that he would like to be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The film is called Kordell Stewart: Slash & Burn. Brian Rivera directed it, and Skydance Sports and NFL Films are involved in the project. A short documentary is a film that runs well under the length of a feature, often under an hour.
Stewart was drafted 60th overall in 1995 by the Steelers, after playing college football at the University of Colorado. In 1997, his first season as the Steelers' starting quarterback, he recorded 32 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. In 2001 he made the Pro Bowl, the league's all-star game, and finished fourth in voting for NFL Most Valuable Player.
The film looks at that Steelers career, along with the challenges he faced and the rumours that trailed him. Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher and former running back Jerome Bettis both feature in it, according to Audacy's 93.7 The Fan.
One of those rumours claimed Stewart had been arrested in a local park. The arrest never happened. The Steelers organisation looked into the claim and never substantiated it. Stewart has said he is not gay or bisexual. His camp believes the rumour started within the Pittsburgh Police Department, a claim the film's coverage reports as coming from his side.
Stewart's career later changed direction. After losing the Steelers' starting job, he played for the Chicago Bears. He finished as a backup for the Baltimore Ravens.
Viewers can see the film on HBO Max, which Yahoo Sports reported was scheduled to release it on 27 October 2026. HBO Max has already put out a trailer, so fans can preview the film before they press play.
For Steelers supporters, the documentary offers a look back at a quarterback whose first full season as a starter produced 32 touchdowns. For Stewart, it puts his case for the Hall of Fame in front of a wider audience. Whether that case succeeds will be decided by the Hall, not by the film.
