'Bluey' on Disney+ Almost Costs Dad His Job in Wild Turn

Parents everywhere know the power Bluey has over kids.

The Australian cartoon about a blue heeler family has become a household favorite, and when it’s on, nothing else matters—not even missed phone calls. For one NFL player, though, that devotion almost ended his career before it had the chance to restart.

An animated scene featuring Bluey and another anthropomorphic dog in medieval attire unfolds as the left dog, wearing a princess crown, sits near a cart of dirt. The right dog, adorned with a warrior helmet and holding a staff, speaks to the princess. In the best place to start an adventure, a gnome watches quietly in the background. — Credit: Ludo Studio/Disney+

The Missed Calls That Changed Everything

Hunter Renfrow, a former Pro Bowl wide receiver, had just been cut from the Carolina Panthers’ roster. Most people assumed his NFL journey was over. Then fate opened a door: the Panthers traded Adam Thielen, another receiver went on injured reserve, and suddenly the team needed Renfrow back.

According to reports from ESPN, coaches, the general manager, and even his agent tried to call him with the good news. But Renfrow never picked up. Why? His daughter was watching Bluey in the car, and she didn’t want the episode to be interrupted. She declined call after call, unknowingly keeping her dad from getting the one phone call every athlete dreams about.

Hunter Renfrow’s daughter declined 10 calls from his agent and @Panthers HC Dave Canales because she was watching Bluey 😂

(via @Sheena_Marie3) pic.twitter.com/M2pQ0ysx9N

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 1, 2025

Dad Life Meets Disney Magic

Renfrow later laughed about it, admitting he returned to the car to find ten missed calls waiting for him. The only reason? His daughter’s absolute determination to finish her cartoon. Parents can relate—it’s the kind of moment where kids rule the remote, and the rest of the world has to wait.

In this case, the world waiting was an NFL team trying to bring him back. Luckily, Renfrow reconnected in time and secured his second chance.

From Health Struggles to Hopeful Return

Renfrow’s comeback story goes deeper than just Bluey. After a standout 2021 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he caught 100 passes and earned a Pro Bowl nod, his career hit a rough patch. Illness sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, and many wondered if he’d ever return.

Now, with his health under control and a new opportunity with the Panthers, Renfrow is ready to take the field again. His role as a dad clearly matters as much to him as his role on the team—and that makes this story even sweeter.

Three animated dog characters are seen in a cozy room. A large blue dog, reminiscent of Bluey, lies on the floor while a smaller orange dog sits on its back holding a magnifying glass. Another smaller blue dog wearing a captain's hat sits next to the orange dog. The background shows home decor. — Credit: Ludo Studio

When a Cartoon Dog Nearly Beat the NFL

For Disney fans, it’s hilarious to think that Bluey—a show built on family moments and everyday humor—could hold up something as high-stakes as an NFL career. But maybe that’s the lesson: family always comes first.

In Renfrow’s case, he’ll get to play football again and still be “Dad” in the moments that matter most. Bluey didn’t actually end his career, but it did give fans one of the most unforgettable crossover stories between parenting, football, and Disney magic.