NFL professionals are no strangers to the television cameras and nor are they shy of them. In fact, many retired NFL footballers are so comfortable on screen that they go on to pursue big-money acting careers in Hollywood. Who knew that there were so many stars of the locker room that could go on to become box office stars too!
But it’s not just Hollywood movies that the world’s professional sports men and women get involved in after they’ve hung up their boots. As an NFL fan, who could forget the John Madden-influenced Madden video game title from EA Sports? For many years, Michael Jordan was the face of NBA Live – also developed by EA Sports. The FIFA video game franchise has also had retired stars in the game for many versions – the latest versions with Ultimate Team also allow players to buy ‘classic’ or retired players as part of their Ultimate Team to play with online.
There’s a running theme with popular pokies games too, which are designed to be simple and easy to get into from the word go. Many of them take their inspiration from all kinds of themes in popular culture and sport is most certainly one of them. Real Madrid and Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo features heavily in Ultimate Dream Team while retired pros Andrea Pirlo and Rio Ferdinand star in the popular slot game Football Gladiators. Slot fans can also step into the shoes of their favourite sports stars in games such as Football Star and Basketball Star.
It’s now time to pay tribute to six of the most celebrated NFL pros that have made names for themselves on the big screen and the red carpet, though! Roll the credits.
Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers
The only former NFL professional to have secured a star on the world-renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw has made a number of big screen cameo appearances in comedies such as Failure to Launch, starring former Sex in the City star, Sarah Jessica Parker. Bradshaw has also featured in popular American TV shows, most notably Malcolm in the Middle. More recently, Bradshaw is now a co-commentator for the NFL on the FOX and NBC networks.
Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns
After a nine-year career as fullback for the Cleveland Browns, Jim Brown forged a professional career in Hollywood. However, very few people know that Brown actually dipped his toe into acting before he retired from the locker room. He featured in legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger film The Running Man as well as Al Pacino-hit Any Given Sunday.
Terry Crews, Rams, Chargers, Redskins & Eagles
After a somewhat nomadic seven-year career in NFL, playing for the likes of the Chargers, the Rams, the Eagles and the Redskins, Terry Crews become better renowned for his acting skills than his ball skills. Crews appeared in Everybody Hates Chris and has more recently appeared in a string of sitcoms including Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Are We There Yet? Crews has also dipped his toe into the world of publishing, penning his own book entitled Manhood.
Michael Strahan, New York Giants
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Powerful former New York Giants defensive linebacker, Michael Strahan has transitioned brilliantly from the football field onto live TV. Having starred in the 2009 sitcom Brothers, Strahan has recently moved into presenting shows including Good Morning America and Live! With Kelly and Michael.
O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
Despite a controversial past, O.J. Simpson starred in a number of popular comedy films after his retirement from NFL. His appearance alongside the iconic Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad was certainly one of his most entertaining.
Alex Karras, Detroit Lions
Some time ago, Alex Karras spent a dozen years as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. After his retirement from gridiron, Karras appeared alongside his real-life wife, Susan Clark in a sitcom, Webster, in which he played a retired football pro. Karras was also heavily involved in Victor Victoria, which also starred legendary actress Julie Andrews and received an Academy Award nomination.
It’s great to see that there’s more to these football players than meets the eye. In fact, guys like Michael Strahan are now more famous for their TV work than they are for their NFL past!