The intersection of Hollywood and the gridiron has produced some fascinating characters throughout history. While many actors have dabbled in football, either through roles in films or brief stints in the sport, a select few have actually taken the field as professional players in the National Football League (NFL). Let’s examine some of the most notable examples of actors who traded scripts for shoulder pads.
Early Examples: When Acting Met Athletics
One of the earliest recorded instances of an actor playing in the NFL was that of Burgess Meredith, best known for his roles in “Rocky” and “Batman.” In 1933, Meredith played for the Philadelphia Eagles’ minor league affiliate, the Philadelphia-Baltimore Stars, although this was before the modern NFL era. While not directly in the NFL, it shows the long-standing connection between acting and football.
O.J. Simpson: The Actor-Athlete
Perhaps one of the most famous examples is O.J. Simpson, who had a successful college football career at USC before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1969 NFL Draft. Simpson went on to have a distinguished NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. After retiring from football, Simpson transitioned into acting, appearing in films like “The Towering Inferno” and “The Naked Gun” series.
Other Notable Actor-Players
Alan Page: An All-American at Notre Dame, Page was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1967. He had a Hall of Fame career as a defensive tackle, eventually becoming a Supreme Court Justice in Minnesota. Page’s NFL career and subsequent legal achievements make him one of the most accomplished actor-athletes.
Rosey Grier: A defensive lineman for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams, Grier played in the NFL from 1957 to 1962. After his football career, he became an actor, appearing in “The Wild Wild West” and other television shows.
Pat McInally: Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1975, McInally had a seven-year NFL career as a punter and wide receiver. He later worked as an NFL analyst and has connections to the entertainment industry through his family.
Modern Examples
While less common in recent years due to the increasing specialization in both sports and acting, there are still examples of individuals crossing between these worlds.
Terry Crews: Before becoming a well-known actor (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Expendables”), Crews played in the NFL as a defensive end and linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins between 1991 and 1997.
Donte Stallworth: A wide receiver in the NFL from 2002 to 2010, Stallworth played for several teams including the New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins. While not traditionally an “actor,” he has appeared in various media, including a stint on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The Challenges of Dual Careers
While some individuals have successfully navigated careers in both the NFL and entertainment, it’s worth noting the challenges involved. The NFL demands an enormous amount of time, physical toll, and dedication, making it difficult to pursue other careers simultaneously. Similarly, the entertainment industry requires a significant investment of time and effort to achieve success.
Pros of an NFL Career Transitioning to Acting:
- Physical presence and charisma can translate to on-screen presence
- Fame and recognition from sports can provide a launching pad for acting career
- Discipline and work ethic developed in sports can benefit acting career
Cons:
- Limited time and energy to devote to developing acting skills during NFL career
- Typecasting as a former athlete can limit role opportunities
- Transitioning to a new field can be challenging and unpredictable
Future Prospects
While the instances of NFL players becoming actors are relatively rare, the trend continues with athletes leveraging their fame and charisma to explore various media opportunities. The line between sports and entertainment continues to blur, with many athletes engaging in acting, producing, and other creative ventures post-retirement.
Conclusion
The history of actors who have played in the NFL is a fascinating blend of sports and entertainment. From pioneers like O.J. Simpson to more recent examples like Terry Crews, these individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and career paths available to those with the drive to succeed in multiple arenas. As both the sports and entertainment industries continue to evolve, we can expect to see more crossover between these worlds.
Who was the first actor to play in the NFL?
+While there are early examples of actors playing football, O.J. Simpson is one of the most famous actors to have a significant NFL career. However, earlier examples like Burgess Meredith played football in related leagues.
How common is it for NFL players to become actors?
+It’s relatively rare for NFL players to become actors, as both careers demand significant time and dedication. However, some athletes have successfully transitioned into acting post-retirement.
What skills do NFL players bring to acting?
+NFL players often bring physical presence, charisma, and discipline to acting. Their experience in high-pressure situations can also translate to performing on screen.
Are there any recent NFL players who have become successful actors?
+Terry Crews is a notable example of an NFL player who transitioned into a successful acting career. While not all NFL players achieve the same level of success in acting, many have explored various media opportunities.
