Top 5 NFL Athlete Movie Roles
It’s inevitable for many NFL players — when they retire, they can’t handle being out of the spotlight. Because of this, we are blessed with their assumption they can take Hollywood by storm. There have been many laughable acting careers within the NFL elite (hello Howie Long). But that’s not the focus. Today we want to recognize the most memorable character acting from the gridiron.
#5 - Bubba Smith (NFL 1967-1976)
Character: Moses Hightower (Police Academy 1-6)
What’s NOT to love about Lieutenant Hightower? He was the muscle of the Police Academy gang and always kept calm, cool and collect. Smith’s brilliant acting has not gone unnoticed here at the Film Savior headquarters. Here’s the proof (skip to the 3:08 mark): Yama, Yama, Yama, Yama, Yaaama
#4 – John Matuszak (NFL 1973-1981)
Character: Sloth (Goonies)
This scene explains it all. Bravo John! The Goonies
#3 – Jim Brown (NFL 1957-1965)
Character: Napoleon Jefferson (The Dirty Dozen)
The ultimate tough guy on suicide mission war film, The Dirty Dozen, is a must see film. Brown announced his retirement from football while filming this movie. The Dirty Dozen Intro
#2 – Carl Weathers (NFL 1970-1971)
Character: Apollo Creed (Rocky 1-4, RIP)
This was a tough one to pick. Carl Weathers has starred in gems such as Action Jackson and Predator. But who can forget Apollo Creed? We all know that he fell to the hand of the Russian Ivan Drago. But here is an interesting tidbit “...For the most recent film in the Rocky series, Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone asked Weathers, Mr. T, and Dolph Lundgren for permission to use footage from their appearances in the earlier Rocky movies. Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren acquiesced, but Weathers wanted an actual part in the movie, even though his character died in Rocky IV. Stallone refused and Weathers decided not to allow Stallone to use his image for Rocky flashbacks from the previous movies.” Seems like a nice humble guy. Here’s a clip: Apollo Creed
#1 – O.J. Simpson (NFL 1969-1979)
Character: Nordberg (Naked Gun 1 – 33 1/3)
Putting O.J./Nordberg as #1 was a no brainer. Not only is OJ the best football player on this list, he also had the most memorable role. What can be more funny than seeing OJ get snapped with a bear trap on the boat? Or pushed down the stairwell on his wheelchair? Simply put, OJ as Nordberg was an instant classic from first viewing. Too bad his personal life got in the way of part 4. Another lifetime, I guess. Nordberg Clips
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