The entertainment industry grows bigger every year with more and more people looking for great ways to enjoy their leisure time. On the one hand, we have celebrities, artists, actors, and musicians who entertain people through their art and talent. On the other hand, we have athletes who play beloved sports like rugby, basketball, and football. Fans can not only watch these spirited games; they can also get in on the action by betting on the outcomes. This double benefit explains why thousands of fans every day are looking for where to bet on football online and why the sports betting industry is growing rapidly.
Since they are two sides of the same coin, it is easy to see how sports and entertainment can collide. Some famous names have been known to cross over from one side to the other or even exist in both simultaneously. In this post, we review nine famous athletes that cross the bridge to film.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Also known as “the hardest working man in Hollywood,” Dwayne Johnson has been a stellar athlete most of his life. He played defensive line for the Miami Hurricanes and was part of the team that won the national title in 1991. Although he did not get drafted into the NFL due to an injury, Johnson still had a significant football career. He spent some time in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders, even as his injury held him back a little. Later, Johnson incorporated some of his football skills into his role as a former NFL Player in Ballers. Outside football, you may also know Johnson as the legendary “The Rock” – one of the greatest WWE stars of all time.
2. Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds has made a name for himself as a seasoned actor, but football was his first passion. He played at Palm Beach high school and was running back at Florida State. Unfortunately, Smokey the Bandit star got injured during his freshman year – an injury that was later re-aggravated following a car accident. This effectively ended his football career with the Seminoles, where he has two touchdowns and 146 rushing yards to his name. Thanks to this, Reynolds is commemorated in the Florida State Hall of Fame. You can see influences of his football past in the original film The Longest Yard.
3. Terry Crews
Terry Crews is a formidable actor with appearances in shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Friday After Next. Previously, he was also a force to reckon with on the football field. He played defensive end for Western Michigan University and was drafted in 1991 by the Los Angeles Rams. While with the Broncos, the 6’2’ player helped the team bag a conference title. As a lineman, Crews played in 32 NFL games while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, and the Rams. He also played in the World League of American Football with the Rhein Fire.
4. Joel McHale
McHale joined the University of Washington on a rowing scholarship but ended up playing football for the Huskies. Lasting two seasons, he was the team’s tight end, although he never played a game. He got a Rose Bowl ring in 1992 after his team beat Michigan and made some long-term friends, including tight end Ernie Conwell. Commenting on McHale’s gameplay, Conwell said, who said McHale “…He wasn’t great, but he had everything he needed: desire and want-to.”
5. Mark Harmon
Son of the legendary Tom Harmon – who won the Heisman Trophy – Mark Harmon also dabbled in football. The NCIS star was the UCLA Bruins quarterback for two years and achieved a 17–5 record while under center.
6. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Steve Austin was one of the most famous WWE wrestlers, but that was not the extent of his sportsmanship. Before appearing in films like The Longest Yard and The Expendables, he joined the University of North Texas on a football scholarship and played for the Mean Green.
7. Ed O’Neill
You may know O’Neill from his classic roles in television shows like Modern Family and Married…with Children, but he was a footballer before he hit the screens. He played defensive lineman at Youngstown State University and was even up for a position with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969 but got cut in training. You can see influences of his football training in Little Giants.
8. Forest Whitaker
Before starring in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the Academy Award-winning actor joined California State Polytechnic University on a football scholarship. Whitaker was a quarterback in high school but turned to acting after suffering a football career-ending injury in college.
Conclusion
Sports are adrenaline filled and fun, as is the entertainment industry. Sometimes, athletes discover their passion for acting during or after their sports career. This rich exchange between the two industries is very healthy because it sheds light on the importance of athletics, sports, and gaming.