Ali Manning Short Documentary: Robin Roberts Joins Panther Pat Board as Executive Producer (Exclusive)

Ashley Brandon's 12-Minute Film on the First Professional Female Footballer Makes Festival Lineup

If you think Sir Poor is cool - and he is Robbie Anderson - may we introduce you to Pat the Panther. scratch it Better idea: Eli Manning and Robin Roberts can introduce you to Pat Palinkas aka "Pat the Panther".

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Manning, the two-time Super Bowl champion (and MVP) former New York Giants quarterback, and Roberts, the host of ABC's Good Morning America and president of Rock'n Robin Productions, have signed on as executive producers for Brandon's Oscar-nominated documentary short Pantrapt, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

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In 1970, Palinkas became the first woman to play professional football when she played for the Orlando Panthers in the old Atlantic Coast Football League (ACFL).

"A schoolteacher with no playbook and everything to prove, he shocked the nation with his appearance and was quickly forgotten," says Leopard Pet's logline. Additionally, the documentary "relives this high-profile moment in sports history, tracing how one woman challenged the gender barrier of the American game."

The 12-minute documentary uses original interviews, archival footage from real events, and "clever puppetry and stop-motion filmmaking" to recreate his historic and high-stakes debut, as the short's representatives describe it. It's kind of the ultimate Barbie pretend play—only with even bigger shoulder pads.

Palinkas entered the extra point game in place of her husband, Panthers player Steve Palinkas. It didn't go very well - at least not at first.

"When we first discovered the story of Pat Palinkas, we couldn't believe that such a moment in sports history had largely disappeared from public memory," Brandon said in a statement. Pat did what no woman before her had done, and we are so grateful to her family for trusting us to share her story with audiences.

"I am thrilled to partner with Ashley Brandon and Switchboard to help tell the incredible story of Pat Palinkas, the first woman to ever play professional football," said Manning. "Pat broke barriers in the sport more than 50 years ago, and her courage and determination helped pave the way for future generations of women in the sport. As someone who has spent my entire life in football, it's amazing to me that a story like Pat's has gone largely untold. I'm proud to be part of a project that honors her legacy."

Panther Pet roamed around the festival circuit. The film has screened at Tribeca, Palm Springs International ShortFest, Florida Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, Rooftop Films, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and Yellow Springs Film Festival. The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Short at Slamdance, a Special Jury Nomination at Mountainfilm, a Special Jury Nomination for Use of Mixed Media at the Calgary International Film Festival, and a Special Jury Mention for Documentary at Indy Shorts.

In addition to Manning and Roberts, Mark Mitten, Diane Cowen and Kelsey Trainor are executive producers. Panther Pat was developed by Dennis Höhne and Nevo Shinaar.

Panther Pat will be on display at The Paley Museum in New York City on November 9, 2026. Manning will be in attendance.