The Best Former NFL Players Turned Actors, Ranked

Being a professional football player demands both incredible physical fitness and a strong, engaging personality – qualities that often appeal to the entertainment world. Over the years, many athletes have tried to transition from football to acting, with mixed results. However, the people on this list proved they had the talent to build lasting careers in Hollywood after retiring from the game. They are the football stars who successfully made the switch from the field to the screen.

Brett Favre

Brett Favre, a legendary quarterback best known for his years with the Green Bay Packers, also had a surprising and memorable turn in the comedy film ‘There’s Something About Mary’. He played a fictionalized version of himself – the ex-boyfriend of the main character – and the role became a beloved part of pop culture. Favre’s willingness to playfully send up his own celebrity made his appearance a standout moment in the movie.

Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka is a football icon, known for his time as a player and coach with the Chicago Bears. He leveraged his strong, no-nonsense personality to appear in several movies and TV shows. He showed off his comedic side alongside Will Ferrell in the film ‘Kicking & Screaming.’ Ditka often plays characters similar to himself, and always makes a memorable impression.

Dan Marino

Dan Marino is remembered as one of the best quarterbacks who never led his team, the Miami Dolphins, to a Super Bowl victory. He also gained lasting fame for his hilarious role in the movie ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’. Marino played a version of himself, the target of a kidnapping, which was central to the film’s story. His funny back-and-forth with Jim Carrey is still one of the most memorable scenes in sports comedy.

Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan first made a name for himself as a powerful defensive end for the New York Giants. Since then, he’s transitioned into a successful media personality and has also taken on acting roles, using his natural charm and strong physique. Many were surprised by his funny performance in the film ‘Magic Mike XXL,’ and he further demonstrated his comedic talent as the star of the sitcom ‘Brothers.’

Joe Namath

Joe Namath became the NFL’s first celebrity quarterback while playing for the New York Jets. After leading his team to a Super Bowl victory, he transitioned into acting in the late 1960s and 70s. He appeared in movies like ‘C.C. and Company’ and was a frequent guest on TV variety shows, where his charisma and on-field appeal made him a natural fit for romantic roles.

Bob Golic

Bob Golic had a long career as a defensive tackle in the NFL, playing for both the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Raiders. After football, he became a popular television personality, often playing a friendly but tough character. He’s most remembered for his role as Mike Rogers, the resident advisor, in ‘Saved by the Bell: The College Years’, where he transitioned from stopping players on the field to entertaining a new generation with his comedic timing.

Dick Butkus

Dick Butkus was a famously intimidating linebacker for the Chicago Bears, widely considered one of the hardest-hitting tacklers ever. Later in life, he surprised many by becoming a television actor. He had recurring roles on the sitcom ‘My Two Dads’ and the show ‘Hang Time,’ often playing a large, tough character with a secretly kind heart.

Joe Anoa’i

Most wrestling fans know Joe Anoa’i as Roman Reigns, but before his career in the ring, he played football for the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s now starting to act, and recently appeared in the hit movie ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ alongside Dwayne Johnson. With his impressive size and natural charisma, he seems poised for success in action films.

Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis was a highly successful tight end, first with the San Francisco 49ers and later winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos. After retiring from the NFL, he wholeheartedly committed to a career in acting and producing. He’s already appeared in films like ‘Muti’ with Morgan Freeman and ‘A Day to Die’ alongside Bruce Willis, and is now focusing on building a portfolio of action and thriller movies.

Isaiah Mustafa

Isaiah Mustafa initially played professional football, spending time on the practice squads of various NFL teams. He later became widely recognized as the face of Old Spice in a hugely popular series of commercials. Since then, he’s moved into more dramatic acting roles, including a significant part in the movie ‘It Chapter Two’ and a recurring role as a werewolf on the TV show ‘Shadowhunters’.

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch, a famously strong running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks, is also known for his fun and unpredictable personality. He’s carried that same energy into acting, with memorable roles in shows like the comedy series ‘Murderville’ – where he did a lot of unscripted improv – and films like ‘Bottoms’ and the sci-fi drama ‘Westworld’.

Brian Bosworth

Brian Bosworth, a former linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, was well-known for his flashy personality, which attracted a lot of media attention. He used his popularity to pursue a career in action movies during the 1990s. His first film, ‘Stone Cold,’ has since become a favorite among fans of the genre, and he continues to act today, often looking back on his memorable time in the NFL.

Bill Goldberg

Before becoming a famous professional wrestler, Bill Goldberg was a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons football team. His impressive size and strength led to acting roles in movies like ‘The Longest Yard’ and ‘Universal Soldier: The Return’. He even played a surprisingly sinister Santa Claus in the horror comedy ‘Santa’s Slay’. Goldberg’s acting work frequently takes advantage of his skill with demanding physical action.

Lawrence Taylor

As a football fan, I truly believe Lawrence Taylor is the best defensive player ever. Watching him play linebacker for the Giants was incredible, and he even brought that same intensity to his role in the movie ‘Any Given Sunday’! He just felt so real in that part, you could tell he really knew football. And it’s awesome that he still shows up in films and documentaries, sharing his amazing story and career with everyone.

Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw first achieved fame as the quarterback who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories. After his football career, he became a broadcaster and also found success as an actor, appearing in several romantic comedies. He’s known for roles like the father of Matthew McConaughey’s character in ‘Failure to Launch’ and for his charming, down-to-earth personality in films like ‘Father Figures’.

Thomas Q. Jones

Thomas Q. Jones was a successful NFL running back, gaining over 10,000 yards with teams including the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. After football, he transitioned to acting, notably appearing as Comanche in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’. Critics praised his acting ability, and he continues to work regularly on television dramas like ‘P-Valley’.

Matthew Willig

Matthew Willig spent fourteen years as a professional football player, primarily as an offensive tackle for teams like the Rams and Panthers. After retiring from the NFL, he transitioned to acting and has become known for playing intimidating villainous roles. He’s appeared in shows like ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ as the character Lash and in the film ‘Birds of Prey.’ His tall stature and distinctive appearance have made him a frequent presence in science fiction and fantasy projects.

Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha successfully transitioned from a star cornerback for the Oakland Raiders to a respected actor and producer. He’s known for his compelling performance in the drama ‘Crown Heights,’ which earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and also starred in the romantic film ‘Sylvie’s Love’ with Tessa Thompson. Many consider him one of the most talented dramatic actors to come out of professional football.

Brad William Henke

Brad William Henke was a former Denver Broncos defensive lineman who even played in the Super Bowl before his football career was cut short by injuries. He later became a well-known actor, most famously playing the intimidating Desi Piscatella on ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ where his powerful performance drove a significant storyline. He also had roles in movies like ‘Split’ and ‘Fury’ before his death.

John Matuszak

John Matuszak was a large and famously lively defensive end for the Oakland Raiders. Though known for his football career, he’s also remembered for playing the character Sloth in the movie ‘The Goonies,’ a role that required extensive makeup. During the 1980s, Matuszak also appeared in the films ‘North Dallas Forty’ and ‘Caveman’.

Bubba Smith

Bubba Smith was a powerful football player, a defensive end for the Baltimore Colts, who later became famous as a comedian. Most people remember him for his role as the gentle giant, Moses Hightower, in the ‘Police Academy’ movies. He cleverly used his height for laughs and quickly became a beloved character. Beyond the films, Smith continued to appear in many TV commercials and sitcoms throughout his career.

Fred Dryer

Fred Dryer was a professional football player, playing defensive end for both the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. He later became a television star – one of the few NFL players to become the lead actor in a popular drama series. Dryer is best known for his role as Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter in the show ‘Hunter,’ which ran for seven seasons, and his success helped open doors for other athletes hoping to pursue careers in television.

Ed Marinaro

Ed Marinaro initially played professional football as a running back for the Minnesota Vikings, but he became famous as an actor. He’s best known for his role as Officer Joe Coffey on the popular TV show ‘Hill Street Blues,’ and later gained a new following playing a football coach in the comedy ‘Blue Mountain State.’ Marinaro’s good looks and charisma helped him succeed in television.

Howie Long

Howie Long was a star defensive end for the Raiders and is now a member of the Hall of Fame. He also found success in movies, famously playing the villain opposite John Travolta in the hit film ‘Broken Arrow.’ He even led the cast of the action movie ‘Firestorm’ as a smokejumper. Today, he’s still well-known as a studio analyst in the media.

Bernie Casey

Bernie Casey was a talented football player, achieving Pro Bowl status as a wide receiver for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. Beyond sports, he enjoyed a long and successful acting career, appearing in a variety of roles ranging from dramatic to comedic. He’s well known for playing Felix Leiter in the James Bond film ‘Never Say Never Again’ and for his funny portrayal of U.N. Jefferson, the fraternity leader in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’.

Woody Strode

Woody Strode broke barriers as one of the NFL’s first Black players before becoming a pioneering actor in Hollywood. He’s remembered for his role in the classic film ‘Spartacus,’ where he famously battled Kirk Douglas as a gladiator. Director John Ford often cast Strode, giving him a significant part in the iconic western ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.’ His commanding presence and grace made him a true screen legend.

Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen was a powerful defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, known as part of the famous ‘Fearsome Foursome’. After football, he became a popular actor, most notably playing Jonathan Garvey in the TV series ‘Little House on the Prairie’. He later had his own show, ‘Father Murphy’, which aired for two seasons. It was striking how different his kind and gentle TV personality was from the tough and aggressive world of professional football.

Fred Williamson

Fred Williamson was a defensive back for both the Chiefs and Raiders, where he gained the nickname “The Hammer.” He became a major star in the 1970s “blaxploitation” film movement with movies like ‘Black Caesar.’ Williamson went on to direct and produce many of his own action films, enjoying a long and successful career. Later in his career, he played a vampire hunter in the film ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’.

Alex Karras

Alex Karras was a Detroit Lions football player who later found fame as an actor. He’s most remembered for his role as George Papadopolis on the TV show ‘Webster,’ and for playing the intimidating character Mongo in the movie ‘Blazing Saddles.’ Karras had a special talent for convincingly portraying both kind, large characters and truly frightening villains.

John David Washington

Before becoming a major movie star, John David Washington had a brief football career, playing for the St. Louis Rams and in NFL Europe. He gained critical acclaim for his role in Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman,’ earning a Golden Globe nomination, and then starred in Christopher Nolan’s hit film ‘Tenet.’ Washington has quickly become known as one of Hollywood’s most promising actors.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews had a career as a football player, including time with the Rams and Chargers, before becoming a well-known comedian. He’s best loved for playing Sergeant Terry Jeffords on the TV show ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ and he also appeared in the popular comedy film ‘Idiocracy’ as President Camacho. His energetic and physical style of comedy has made him a familiar face in many homes.

Carl Weathers

Before becoming a celebrated actor, Carl Weathers was a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders. He’s best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ movies with Sylvester Stallone, but he also appeared in films like ‘Predator’ and ‘Happy Gilmore.’ More recently, he gained a new generation of fans playing Greef Karga in the series ‘The Mandalorian’.

Jim Brown

Jim Brown is widely considered one of the best football players ever, and he surprised many by retiring early to pursue a career in Hollywood. He became known for his powerful presence in films like the war classic ‘The Dirty Dozen’. Brown also helped break down racial barriers, becoming one of the first African American actors to lead action movies, such as ‘100 Rifles’. His success proved that athletes could be just as compelling on screen as they were in their sport.

2026-02-05 22:48