American football is a pretty brutal industry. The average playing career of an NFL pro tends to be fairly short, with most tending to retire by the age of 27. However, these are the lucky few when you consider the lottery that’s involved in actually becoming an NFL pro in the first place. College football is incredibly competitive, with most college teams having rosters with more than 100 players. Come the annual NFL Draft, only the best and brightest stand a shot at promotion. What happens to the rest? Some manage to secure deals with teams themselves, while the majority pursue other career paths. The entertainment industry is just one sector that’s saturated with former American football players.
Mark Harmon
While there is no shortage of famous actors who used to play college football, you’ll find relatively few sportsmen-turned-actors still working in the entertainment industry today. However, this can’t be said of Mark Harmon. During his college years, Mark Harmon was enjoying a pretty impressive run with the UCLA team. He excelled as a starting quarterback, with real potential for a long-term career in the major leagues. He was even given an All-Round Excellence award during his senior year by the National Football Foundation. However, Harmon was ready to leave the world of sport behind and pursue a career elsewhere instead. After considering law and advertising, he began auditioning for small parts in television shows and commercials. His big break came in the 1970s with a role in St. Elsewhere. However, it’s his turn as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the long-running NCIS that made him a true star. After playing the character for 19 seasons, Harmon finally put Gibbs to rest in 2021.
Terry Crews
Today, Terry Crews is best known for his comedic turns in sitcoms like Everybody Hates Chris and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. However, he’s also enjoyed a pretty respectable career as a professional athlete. Crews made a name for himself during his college football years, eventually being picked for the NFL during the 1991 Draft. His first NFL appearances would be for the Los Angeles Rams, but he would later play alongside the lineups of the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins. After becoming disenfranchised with the game thanks to being dropped from team rosters, Crews eventually said goodbye to the NFL in 1997 and made the move to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
Burt Reynolds
During his college years, Burt Reynolds was a prominent figure in the Florida State lineup, playing as a halfback. However, his promising football career was cut short due to a serious injury, leading him to a different path - the world of acting. Reynolds would later channel his athletic prowess into his roles on the big screen, one notable example being his portrayal of a quarterback in the prison drama 'The Longest Yard.'
Reynolds is perhaps even more memorable for his roles in films that touch upon the exciting world of casinos and high-stakes action. In 'Boogie Nights,' he played film producer Jack Horner, and in the action-thriller 'Heat,' he portrayed a bodyguard battling the mafia in the glittering backdrop of Las Vegas. These roles showcased his versatility as an actor, bringing to life the thrill and drama often associated with the world of gambling.
This connection to the vibrant casino atmosphere in his films, especially 'Heat,' can ignite a similar sense of adventure in movie fans and gaming enthusiasts alike. If the neon-drenched scenes of Las Vegas in 'Heat' have inspired you, why not have a casino adventure playing blackjack online? The world of online casinos offers the excitement of Vegas right at your fingertips. You can dive into the thrill of blackjack, roulette, or poker, along with a variety of other table games and video slots, all available on major platforms. This online experience brings the allure of Reynolds' cinematic world into the realm of interactive gaming, allowing fans to enjoy the rush of casino gaming without leaving their homes.
Carl Weathers
Despite delivering one of the most memorable performances of his career as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, it wasn’t boxing that Carl Weathers was interested in. While studying at San Diego State University, he committed himself to college football. Sadly, Weathers failed to secure himself a signing during the 1970 Draft, but this didn’t deter him from pursuing a football career. He quickly secured a deal with the Oakland Raiders. When the Raiders released him from his contract, Weathers looked to the Canadian Football League instead, becoming part of the BC Lions roster.
