© Bill Streicher, © Jay Calderon/The Des| Source: IMAGn
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Over the years, Hollywood has witnessed several performers joining Hollywood from different walks of life. While some quit their jobs, others left home, and some even changed professions.
For instance, many former NFL (The National Football League) players took a leap of faith and entered the world of acting without a second thought. From John David Washington and Jim Brown to Terry Crews, the list is endless.
5 NFL Players Who Took Their Careers To The Next Level With Hollywood
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Sports and cinema don’t exactly go hand-in-hand, but some prominent NFL players have proven otherwise.
Disagree with us? Then check out these 5 NFL legends who became icons in Hollywood.
### **#1. John David Washington**
John grabbed attention with his brief stint in NFL, especially with the St. Louis Rams practice squad. Thereafter, he spent four years as a running back for the UFL team, the Sacramento Mountain Lions.
Despite being the child of actors Denzel and Pauletta Washington, he did not enter films until 2015 with the HBO comedy series _Ballers_. He achieved a breakthrough in 2018 with Spike Lee’s _BlacKkKlansman._
### **#2. Jim Brown**
Jim Brown, one of the NFL’s historic players, dedicated his entire nine-season career to the Cleveland Browns. Despite leading the team, he retired from football at the peak of his career. Brown was famous for powerful running style and numerous NFL records.
In 1964, Brown made his film debut with _Rio Conchos,_ while he was still an active NFL player. Three years later, the war film _The Dirty Dozen_ brought him immense success in the film industry.
### **#3. Terry Crews**
Nicknamed the ‘wedge master’, Terry Crews ruled NFL stats from 1991 to 1997. The Los Angeles Rams drafted him, and frequently topped the scoreboards. Afterward, the athlete chose to retire from a career that was otherwise rumored to be quite stressful for his family.
He made his first on-screen appearance with the syndicated game show _Battle Dome_ in 1999. But his first stint on a feature film happened a year later with _The 6th Day_.
### **#4. Carl Weathers**
Carl Weathers served as an NFL linebacker, playing for the Oakland Raiders for two seasons starting in 1970. During that time, he played eight games and made a noticeable impact.
In 1975, he made his film debut with the films _Bucktown_ and _Friday Roster_. While they were not blockbusters at the box office, he made his breakthrough as Apollo Creed with the 1976 release _Rocky_.
### **#5. O.J. Simpson**
O.J. Simpson was star running back for over 10 years. He started his career by playing for the Buffalo Bills and finished with the San Francisco 49ers, where he achieved his highest NFL stat by becoming the first player to rush over 2,000 yards in a single season.
He then transitioned to films with his debut in the 1974-released film _The Klansman_ but really broke through in _The Naked Gun_ trilogy. His performance garnered accolades from fans and is remembered as one of his best works.
Did we miss out on any other NFL players who made it to films? Please let us know.