Many professional football players have transitioned into the entertainment world, bringing their charisma, athleticism, and larger-than-life personalities to the screen. Whether it’s a brief cameo, a comedic role, or a full-fledged acting career, these athletes have successfully traded in their helmets for the spotlight. Here’s a look at some notable football players who made their mark in acting.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Although best known today as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Dwayne Johnson started as a football player. He played college football at the University of Miami, winning a national championship in 1991. Though injuries cut his football career short, Johnson transitioned to professional wrestling before conquering the entertainment industry as an actor.
- Notable Roles: Fast & Furious franchise, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Moana (voice).
- Why he stands out: Johnson is one of the most successful athletes-turned-actors, consistently starring in blockbuster films and becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
2. Jim Brown
Jim Brown is considered one of the greatest NFL players of all time, known for his powerful running style as a Cleveland Browns star in the 1960s. After retiring from football at the height of his career, Brown made a successful transition to Hollywood, starring in a variety of action-packed films.
- Notable Roles: The Dirty Dozen, Three the Hard Way, Mars Attacks!
- Why he stands out: Brown’s tough-guy persona on the field translated well to his acting career, where he became one of the first African American athletes to land leading roles in Hollywood.
3. Terry Crews
Before becoming a beloved actor and TV personality, Terry Crews played in the NFL as a defensive end and linebacker for teams like the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). His larger-than-life personality and comedic talent made him a natural fit for Hollywood after his football career.
- Notable Roles: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Expendables series, White Chicks.
- Why he stands out: Crews is known for his comedic timing and physical comedy, often playing lovable, tough-guy characters who blend muscle with humor.
4. O.J. Simpson
Before his infamous legal troubles, O.J. Simpson was a football legend, having a Hall of Fame career as a running back with the Buffalo Bills. After retiring from the NFL, Simpson transitioned into acting, appearing in a number of films and TV shows in the 1970s and 80s.
- Notable Roles: The Naked Gun series, Capricorn One, The Klansman.
- Why he stands out: Simpson was one of the first NFL stars to make a major splash in Hollywood, known for his comedic roles in films like The Naked Gun.
5. Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers played football in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and later in the Canadian Football League before finding fame as an actor. His breakthrough role came as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series, where he played a charismatic and fierce heavyweight boxing champion.
- Notable Roles: Rocky series, Predator, The Mandalorian.
- Why he stands out: Weathers’ portrayal of Apollo Creed remains iconic, and his continued work in action films and TV shows has made him a lasting figure in Hollywood.
6. Ed Marinaro
A standout running back at Cornell University and a former NFL player with the Minnesota Vikings, Ed Marinaro made a successful transition to acting after his football career. He became well-known for his role as Officer Joe Coffey in the popular TV series Hill Street Blues.
- Notable Roles: Hill Street Blues, Sisters, Blue Mountain State.
- Why he stands out: Marinaro’s ability to pivot from sports to television drama earned him critical acclaim and a long-lasting career in the entertainment industry.
7. Howie Long
A Hall of Fame defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, Howie Long transitioned into acting and media work after his football career. He starred in several action films in the 1990s and also became a prominent sports broadcaster.
- Notable Roles: Broken Arrow, Firestorm, 3000 Miles to Graceland.
- Why he stands out: Long’s tough, action-hero persona made him a natural fit for Hollywood’s action films, and his media presence as an NFL analyst has kept him in the spotlight.
8. Brian Bosworth
Brian Bosworth, known as “The Boz,” was a controversial and flamboyant linebacker who played for the Seattle Seahawks. After his football career was cut short by injury, Bosworth transitioned to acting, often playing action roles or characters based on his tough-guy image.
- Notable Roles: Stone Cold, Three Kings, The Longest Yard (2005).
- Why he stands out: Bosworth became known for his action-packed roles and B-movie performances, capitalizing on his football persona.
9. Fred Williamson
Fred Williamson played cornerback in the NFL during the 1960s for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs. After retiring from football, Williamson transitioned into acting, particularly in action and Blaxploitation films in the 1970s.
- Notable Roles: From Dusk Till Dawn, Black Caesar, Three the Hard Way.
- Why he stands out: Williamson became a trailblazer in Blaxploitation films, often playing tough, cool anti-heroes, and he also directed and produced several of his own movies.
10. Michael Strahan
After a stellar career as a defensive end with the New York Giants, where he won a Super Bowl and set the single-season sack record, Michael Strahan transitioned into media and entertainment. While he’s best known for his work as a TV personality, Strahan has also dabbled in acting roles.
- Notable Roles: Magic Mike XXL, The Simpsons (voice), Good Morning America (host).
- Why he stands out: Strahan’s charismatic personality made him a hit in the media world, and he remains a prominent figure in both sports broadcasting and mainstream entertainment.
11. Alex Karras
Alex Karras was a dominant NFL defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions before becoming an actor. He’s perhaps best known for his comedic roles, including a memorable turn in Blazing Saddles and as the adoptive father in the family sitcom Webster.
- Notable Roles: Blazing Saddles, Webster, Victor/Victoria.
- Why he stands out: Karras successfully transitioned from a fierce football player to a beloved actor in both comedic and dramatic roles.
12. John Matuszak
John Matuszak, a former defensive end who won two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders, transitioned into acting after his football career. He is most remembered for playing Sloth in The Goonies.
- Notable Roles: The Goonies, Caveman, One Crazy Summer.
- Why he stands out: Matuszak became a cult favorite for his memorable role as Sloth, showcasing his ability to play diverse and quirky characters.
13. Bubba Smith
Bubba Smith, a former NFL defensive end and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Colts, transitioned into acting and became well-known for his role in the Police Academy film series.
- Notable Roles: Police Academy series, Blue Thunder, Married… with Children.
- Why he stands out: Smith’s imposing size and comedic timing made him a standout in the Police Academy films, where he played the lovable Hightower.
Conclusion
From the gridiron to the big screen, these football players-turned-actors have successfully blended their athletic fame with Hollywood careers. Whether taking on action-packed roles or showcasing their comedic chops, these athletes proved that the skills and determination learned on the football field can translate into entertainment success. Their stories highlight the versatility and appeal of football players in the world of acting, leaving a lasting impact both in sports and Hollywood.