Football Stars In Movies
While we usually see football players battling it out on the field or in the occasional commercial, some players, coaches and announcers often venture out for different movie roles. Who are some of the football related people that can be found in different films?
Troy Aikman
As the former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys turned football commentator, Troy Aikman appeared in the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire”. Aikman appeared as himself in the movie which starred Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Drew Bledsoe
Another NFL quarterback who appeared as himself in “Jerry Maguire” was Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe, who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys, has also been quarterback for the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.
Terry Bradshaw
Before becoming a football commentator, Terry Bradshaw was a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in 1981’s “Cannonball Run” and voiced the Broken Armed robot in the 2005 animated feature “Robots”. His next movie, “Failure to Launch”, hits theaters this year and stars Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Bates.
Tom Brady
This quarterback for the New England Patriots also found time to appear in one recent movie. Tom Brady made an appearance in the 2003 film “Stuck On You” starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear.
Jim Brown
This former fullback for the Cleveland Browns has appeared in a number of movies over the last thirty years. Jim Brown can be seen in 1967’s “Dirty Dozen”, as Byron in the 1996 film “Mars Attacks” and in the 1999 football film Any Given Sunday. Brown also voiced the character of Butch in 1998’s “Small Soldiers”.
Bill Cowher
The current head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers was a football player in the early 1980s for the
Terry Crews
Before breaking into film, Terry Crews played defense for the San Diego Chargers, the Packers, Washington Redskins and the Eagles. His latest film credits include “The Longest Yard”, the 2004 movie “Starsky and Hutch” with Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller and an uncredited appearance as a gang member in 2001’s “Training Day” with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. Crews can next be seen in the upcoming film “Benchwarmers”.
Mike Ditka
Besides being the head coach for the Chicago Bears from the early 1980s into the 1990s and the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 2000, Mike Ditka also played football as a tight end for the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He appeared opposite Will Ferrell in the 2005 film “Kicking and Screaming”.
Brett Favre
Although he had a short stint with the Atlanta Falcons, Brett Favre is best known for being the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. He appeared in 1998’s “There’s Something About Mary” with Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller.
Dan Fousts
Another football player to appear in “The Waterboy” was Dan Fousts. Fousts, a former quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, portrayed a sports commentator.
Bill Goldberg
Although he’s probably best known for his work inside the wrestling ring, Bill Goldberg first played football for the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams (prior to their move from
Michael Irvin
Another football player turned commentator who appeared in 2005’s “The Longest Yard” was Michael Irvin. Irvin, who was a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, played Deacon Moss in the movie.
Jimmy Johnson
The renowned Jimmy Johnson was the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 1993 and the Miami Dolphins from 1995 to 2000. Now a commentator, Johnson appeared as himself in “The Waterboy”.
Alex Karras
Alex Karras, the former tackle for the Detroit Lions, has also had an impressive career in movies. He has made appearances in such notable films as Mongo in the 1974 Mel Brooks film “Blazing Saddles”, Sheriff Wallace in 1982’s “Porky’s” and a role in the 1984 movie “Against All Odds”.
Howie Long
Before becoming a commentator, Howie Long was a defensive end for the Raiders for over a decade. Long played the lead role in 1998’s “Firestorm” and has appeared in the 2001 film “3000 Miles to
Jim McMahon
Besides leading the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory, Jim McMahon was also quarterback for the Chargers, Eagles,
Dan Marino
Although he’s a football commentator today, Dan Marino is best known for being the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. His film credits include “Bad Boys II” with Martin Lawrence and Will Smith and an appearance in Any Given Sunday. Marino also appeared as himself in the 1994 movie “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” with Jim Carrey and 2000’s “Little Nicky” with Adam Sandler.
Art Monk
This wide receiver played for the Washington Redskins for over a decade before moving on to the New York Jets and Eagles. Art Monk appeared as himself in the movie “Jerry Maguire”.
Joe Namath
Quarterback Joe Namath played for the Jets and the Rams. His film credits include 1970’s “
Bill Parcells
Bill Parcells has been the head coach for a few NFL teams including the New York Giants, the Patriots, the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cowboys. He made his big screen debut as a football consultant in Any Given Sunday.
Jerry Rice
Legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice has played for the
Bill Romanowksi
Another former football player who will be appearing in the movie “Benchwarmers” featuring Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider is Bill Romanowski. Romanowski, who also appeared as Lambert in “The Longest Yard”, played defense for the
O.J. Simpson
The infamous O.J. Simpson was a running back for the Buffalo Bills and the
Bubba Smith
Best known for his role as Hightower in the “
For over decade, Lawrence Taylor was a linebacker for the New York Giants. Besides an appearance in “The Waterboy” and Any Given Sunday,
See Also: Harry Potter Actors and Actresses, Daniel Craig: The Next James Bond and Big Screen to Small Screen
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© 2006 by Tammy Cordani. To use the above content you must first obtain written permission. Please contact Tammy Cordani. All rights reserved.