In the new sports-comedy series Chad Powers, Glen Powell portrays Russ Holliday, a former Oregon Ducks quarterback whose career collapses following a pivotal, game-losing play at the Rose Bowl. Setting himself apart by adopting a disguised identity as Chad Powers, a fresh face from the South, Russ seeks a second chance by walking onto the South Georgia Catfish football team, aiming for personal redemption.
The series premiere episodes, now streaming on Hulu, reveal Russ at one of the lowest points in his life. His creation of the Chad Powers persona contrasts sharply with his true self, as Russ struggles with toxic traits shaped by societal rejection and an inability to move past his former mistakes. Over six episodes, the narrative explores Russ’s effort to reclaim his identity and wrestle with the consequences of his actions.
Russ Holliday’s Toxic Masculinity and Its Roots
Eight years after his football downfall, Russ Holliday lives in Los Angeles, clinging to a lifestyle that reflects both privilege and denial. Sporting a beanie, an earring, and driving a Tesla Cybertruck, Russ brags to his agent that losing his career opened unexpected doors, such as appearing on The Masked Singer and investing in cryptocurrency. However, his behavior at social gatherings reveals his inability to acknowledge others respectfully. At one party, he casually references the viral meme “hawk tuah,” disrespecting Haley Welch, the originator of the phrase, by refusing to use her real name or offer an apology.
Back at his dad’s house, Russ reflects on his youthful achievements with the football trophies on display, yet he responds to mockery from local teenagers with a hostile video message. His refusal to accept responsibility for his past mistakes is evident. While running errands with his father, Russ distracts himself by watching degrading videos of women on his phone, highlighting his problematic attitude—a pattern underscored by an existing DUI charge.
At South Georgia University, Russ’s social life remains strained. His only companion is Danny, the team mascot portrayed by Frankie Rodriguez, who offers advice on becoming Chad Powers. Yet, Russ reacts with entitlement when Danny accommodates him, criticizing his friend’s modest room furnishings. This tension underscores Russ’s dismissive and privileged mindset, further complicating his path to redemption.
The Symbolism Behind Russ Holliday’s Flawed Personality
Russ Holliday embodies a particular archetype of masculinity tied to fleeting pop culture and tech fads. His attachment to trends such as cryptocurrency, Tesla Cybertrucks, and the “hawk tuah” meme—all associated with Elon Musk and aspects of the Manosphere—mirrors his deeper desire for relevance amid stagnation. These interests once commanded attention but now symbolize instability: the podcast inspired by “hawk tuah” is dormant, Cybertruck sales faltered, and cryptocurrency markets continue to waver.
Russ’s fixation on these trends parallels his personal struggles. He clings to past success without genuine plans for the future, a reflection of his broader refusal to grow beyond his mistakes. Glen Powell, speaking on the podcast Therapuss with Jake Shane, elaborated on the thematic exploration of cancel culture embodied in Russ’s character:
“Some of these other people that get canceled, they should lie where they’re shot. But with Russ, he made a mistake. He acted poorly about it, and the world kind of didn’t forgive him, and he couldn’t forgive himself. And what I found to be really interesting is that in today’s day and age, the cancel culture is just sort of a thing in like how the world doesn’t really let you forget your mistakes … I found it to be interesting how people react to those moments, what they double down on. Do they take accountability in those moments? Do they believe in conspiracy theories? Do they blame other people?”
—Glen Powell, Actor
This quote encapsulates the tension Russ faces as he wrestles with public condemnation and self-forgiveness. The internet era’s unforgiving nature traps Russ in a cycle where his past missteps define his present, even when he attempts to start anew. When a potential opportunity in a new football league emerges, resurfaced news of a fan altercation causes his contract to be canceled once again, reinforcing his downward spiral.
Russ’s Struggle Highlights Broader Issues of Accountability and Image
The resurfacing of the altercation and its impact on Russ’s career also illustrates the challenge of reconciling one’s past amid an unforgiving digital landscape. His failure to advance professionally fuels his reliance on momentary trends, reflecting desperation rather than genuine passion. Russ’s need for popularity and validation drives his superficial attachments instead of fostering meaningful growth.
Moreover, Russ’s ongoing behavior, including belittling his only friend Danny, demonstrates how toxic masculinity and entitlement perpetuate social isolation. His journey intertwines personal failure with societal dynamics around cancel culture, where redemption is complicated by collective judgment and personal denial.
Early Signs of Change in Russ’s Redemption Path
While Russ exhibits many troubling traits early on, he is not without moments that hint at transformation. The initial episodes showcase his flaws starkly to set a foundation for character development, including a gesture where Russ purchases throw pillows as an apology to Danny, signaling the beginning of self-awareness. Nevertheless, with only four episodes remaining in the season, his redemption arc demands swift progress to be believable.
The still-unseen details of the fan altercation represent a pivotal moment yet to be fully explored on screen. Coming to terms with this event may catalyze Russ’s shedding of the Chad Powers façade and prompt an authentic reconciliation with both his team and himself. The series continues to unravel these layers with weekly episodes on Hulu, debuting every Tuesday.
Main Cast Bringing Characters to Life
- Glen Powell as Russ Holliday / Chad Powers
- Perry Mattfeld
- Toby Huss as Ricky
- Frankie A. Rodriguez as Coach Byrd and Danny, the team mascot
Hawk tuah man
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2025
