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National Underdog Day

Celebrate National Underdog Day by showing your support to the underdog in your life - cheer them on and show them that they can do anything!

Friday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Friday in December

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to cheer on the underdog this December on National Underdog Day, which falls on the third Friday of every December! This day is a special celebration dedicated to all those who don't always get their due credit and recognition – it's a chance for us to recognize and celebrate the underdogs in our lives. Whether it's your friends, family, co-workers or even yourself, National Underdog Day is the perfect opportunity to give some extra love and appreciation to those who often go unnoticed. So don't miss out on this special day - let's show some love for the underdogs!

TIMELINE

National Underdog Day Timeline

The Underdog in film

In the 1976 film "Rocky," Sylvester Stallone plays the character Rocky Balboa, an underdog who gets a chance to fight for the world heavyweight boxing title.

"Miracle on Ice"

The US hockey team, seen as underdogs, won the Gold medal at the 1980 Olympics defeating favorite USSR, a story famously known as "Miracle on Ice".

Inception of Underdog Day

Richard Peters establishes "National Underdog Day" to honor those who overcome great odds to achieve success.

"The Little Engine That Could"

The classic children's story "The Little Engine That Could," an example of an underdog, is named as one of the "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children" by the National Education Association.

Eagles win Super Bowl

Seen as the underdogs, the Philadelphia Eagles overcame odds to win Super Bowl LII, their first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Underdog Day

Adopt an underdog

Visit your local animal shelter and find a pet that needs a loving home. You never know, you just might find the perfect furry companion for your family.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an animal shelter

If you can’t adopt a pet, you can still help out. Visit your local animal shelter and ask how you can volunteer your time and help out animals in need.

DONATE

Donate to an animal charity

There are many organizations that help animals in need. Make a donation to one of these charities and feel good about helping animals in need.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser for your local animal shelter or animal charity. Get together with friends and family and raise money for the cause.

SPREAD

Spread the word

Raise awareness about the plight of animals in need by sharing stories and posts on social media. Let people know about the work animal charities are doing and encourage them to get involved.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Underdog Day

Underdogs show us that anything is possible

The power of underdog stories lies in the fact that they demonstrate that anything is possible - sometimes all you need is just a little dedication and determination. Being an underdog can be difficult, but it also teaches people to never underestimate themselves or their abilities!

Underdogs are inspiring

Seeing someone who started from nothing and worked their way to success is an inspirational story that never gets old. National Underdog Day celebrates the triumph of achieving one's goals against all odds, which helps motivate us to break through our own set limitations.

It showcases resilience

Celebrating National Underdog Day highlights how important resilience is in life - no matter how hard things get or how insurmountable a task may seem, it's always worth giving it your best shot. Ultimately, no matter what the outcome, it's about having the courage to try and not give up when faced with adversity.