Cocaine Quarterback: Signal Caller for the Cartel Review by Brian Hernandez from
Zero Dark Nerdy

If you thought Breaking Bad was wild, wait until you meet Owen Hanson—the real-life anti-hero of Prime Video’s jaw-dropping docuseries, Cocaine Quarterback: Signal Caller for the Cartel. Produced by Mark Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas, this three-part documentary blitzes through Hanson’s meteoric rise from USC football walk-on to international drug kingpin with the pacing of a thriller and the swagger of a Scorsese film.

From locker rooms to luxury yachts, the series dives deep into Hanson’s transformation from athlete to outlaw, fueled by ambition and a taste for fast money, as well as the good life. The storytelling is razor-sharp, blending archival footage, footage from Owen’s childhood, stylish dramatizations, and firsthand accounts—including Hanson himself—to paint a portrait of a man who called plays for one of the world’s most dangerous cartels.

What makes Cocaine Quarterback a standout isn’t just the true-crime spectacle—it’s the layered look at ego, loyalty, and the seductive pull of power. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in adrenaline, and it never fumbles the narrative. Whether you're a sports junkie, crime doc fanatic, or just love watching empires rise and fall, this one’s a must-watch.

Zero Dark Nerdy gives it a full five stars for storytelling, production value, and sheer WTF factor. Add it to your watchlist, grab the popcorn, and prepare to be blitzed by one of the most insane true stories ever told.

Cocaine Quarterback premieres September 25 exclusively on Prime Video. You
won’t believe how deep this playbook goes.