‘Receiver’ Ep. 1 recap: Amon-Ra St. Brown always had the heart of a Lion

We’re reviewing and recapping the episodes of Netflix’s docuseries “Receiver.” Here’s what we learned about Amon-Ra St. Brown in episode one.

Netflix’s new docuseries “Receiver” became available for streaming on July 10, and there is so much for both fans of the Detroit Lions and football as a whole to enjoy about it.

The show follows the 2023 NFL seasons of San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, Las Vegas’ Davante Adams, and—most importantly—Detroit’s very own Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Note: Beyond this part in the article, there are spoilers from the first episode of Netflix’s “Receiver”

The first episode opened with commentary from NFL legends Peyton Manning and Randy Moss, giving their insights on the importance of the wide receiver position and all of the factors that go into a receiver being able to even have the opportunity to catch the ball. From there, the show turns first to the pair of 49ers pass-catchers and their reflections on their playoff runs over the past few seasons.

After a few minutes of footage following Samuel and Kittle’s NFL journey, it was time for St. Brown to be in the spotlight. The segment opens with a shot of Detroit’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park and cuts to St. Brown putting up 265 pounds on the bench press in the team’s weight room.

The show obviously covers some of his backstory that most, if not all, Lions fans already know. His father was a two-time Mr. Universe and inspired and pushed his three sons into successful football careers. St. Brown once again brings up his routine of catching 202 balls on the JUGS Machine every day after practice.

An old video is played showing St. Brown at just eight years old setting his sights on making the NFL one day. Other footage of his youth football days just proves that he has always been the same player that we see now on game days. Sporting the number 8 on his jersey and lined up at inside linebacker, the future NFL star made a tackle for loss and was later shown with tears in his eyes after the game, frustrated and saying expletives due to his team losing. That same passion and emotion is just as evident in his game now as it was back then.

We are then told the all-too-familiar story of his draft experience in 2021, and how he can name each receiver drafted before him and the schools they played for from memory. What was also revealed is that he keeps that list in a notebook along with his goals for the 2023 season, which he reads every day for motivation.

The list, titled “2023 GOALS,” had stats such as 1500+ yards, 10 touchdowns, 150 receptions, and 2x Pro Bowl. Also written there were other good reminders for himself, such as the words “stay healthy” next to his ideal stats for the season. Below that, underlined multiple times for extra emphasis, “Play fast. Be explosive.” What stood out the most was what was written just above the list of receivers drafted prior to him: “Never forget. Round 4. Pick 112.”

The last segment that focused on St. Brown chronicled the first five weeks of his 2023 season, from his thoughts about the Chiefs game up to the game he missed versus the Panthers. The show revealed just how much he endured injuries in those first few games. First, he suffered a toe injury against Seattle that left him having to play with steel plates in his cleats. Then it was a torn oblique the following week—which caused him to play the next two games while in immense pain.

While injuries are normally no laughing matter, St. Brown did leave us with one notable quote that cements his devotion to the game and more importantly, his hatred of one rival NFC North team. With a smirk on his face, describing how he is managing the pain, he stated: “Painkillers is something that I really don’t like to take unless… unless it’s the Packers.”

“Receiver” did a fantastic job of showing fans what the lives, mindsets, and routines of these talented athletes are like during the season. All eight episodes are available to stream on Netflix.