7 NFL Players Who Also Made Names In Hollywood

While many NFL players make a name for themselves through their performances on the field, some venture beyond the game and find success in the world of acting. Over the years, numerous athletes have transitioned into actors, showcasing their versatility beyond sports. Unfazed by the spotlight, several football players have made this shift appear seamless. As the football season progresses, here’s a look at some of the NFL stars who became famous in the entertainment industry.

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Alex Karras

Alex Karras, a former Detroit Lions star, had an illustrious NFL career, boasting four Pro Bowl appearances and nine All-Pro selections. However, after his time on the field, Karras pivoted to a successful acting career. He appeared in numerous films such as Against All Odds, Maid in America, Porky’s, and Nobody’s Perfekt, among others, making a notable impact in Hollywood.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers first made waves as a defensive end for the San Diego State Aztecs before going undrafted in the NFL in 1970. He spent a year with the Oakland Raiders before his football career ended in 1974. Post-football, Weathers transitioned into acting, becoming widely recognized for iconic roles like Apollo Creed in Rocky and Dillon in Predator. His talent spanned both action-packed scenes and comedic performances, including opposite Adam Sandler. Weathers currently stars as Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination.

Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw, driven by a passion for football from a young age, began his career at Louisiana Tech University, quickly gaining recognition for his strong leadership and powerful arm. As a Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback for nearly 14 seasons, he led the team to four Super Bowl victories and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame three times. Bradshaw’s foray into acting started with commercials and cameos on popular TV shows like Modern Family, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Simpsons, and The League. He also starred in films alongside Burt Reynolds, such as Hooper, Smokey and the Bandit II, and The Cannonball Run. More recently, Bradshaw served as an executive producer for his reality show The Bradshaw Bunch, offering fans a glimpse into his personal life.

Jim Brown

Jim Brown is regarded as one of the most dominant football players of his time, with a Hall of Fame career as a Cleveland Browns tailback. Post-NFL, Brown brought his powerful presence and stoic demeanor to Hollywood, amassing 52 acting credits. His breakthrough role came in the 1967 WWII epic The Dirty Dozen, where he held his own alongside notable movie stars. Brown became a leading figure in the blaxploitation genre during the '70s, winning an NAACP Image Award for his stature as a strong Black leading man, making him one of the most respected stars of his era.

Chester Rogers

Chester Rogers, known on the football field for his stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns, took on a new identity in Hollywood under the stage name Tre Rogers. His acting credits include roles in Constellation, Dirty, and Madea’s Family Reunion. In 2023, Rogers took on the role of Sterling Black in the crime drama BMF, marking his growing presence in the entertainment industry.

Bubba Smith

Bubba Smith’s nine-year NFL career included two Pro Bowl appearances, three All-Pro selections, and two championship wins. His success on the football field carried over to a decorated acting career, with 56 credits to his name. Smith is best remembered for his comedic portrayal of Hightower in the Police Academy series, a role that earned him lasting recognition in Hollywood.

John David Washington

Although John David Washington never fully realized his NFL dreams—spending time on a practice squad—his acting career has been nothing short of stellar. Since 2015, Washington has received 42 acting nominations and seven wins, quickly establishing himself as a leading man in Hollywood. After an injury-shortened football career, Washington took a role in HBO’s football series Ballers and soon expanded his range, delivering standout performances in films like Tenet, BlacKkKlansman, Malcolm & Marie, and Beckett, the latter of which is a Netflix action hit.

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