John Matuszak played defensive end for the Oakland Raiders (winning two Super Bowls), Houston Oilers, and Kansas City Chiefs (1973–1981). His most famous role was Sloth in The Goonies (1985), along with appearances in Caveman (1981) and One Crazy Summer (1986).
Alex Karras was a star defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions (1958–1970). After football, he became a successful actor, playing Mongo in Blazing Saddles (1974) and George Papadapolis in the sitcom Webster (1983–1989).
O.J. Simpson, a Heisman Trophy winner and Hall of Fame running back for the Buffalo Bills (1969–1977) and San Francisco 49ers (1978–1979), transitioned into acting while still playing. He appeared in films like The Towering Inferno (1974) and The Naked Gun series. His acting career ended after his legal troubles in the 1990s.
Merlin Olsen was a Hall of Fame defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams (1962–1976) and part of the legendary "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line. After football, he starred in Little House on the Prairie and led the cast of Father Murphy (1981–1983). He also became a popular sports broadcaster.
Bubba Smith was a dominant defensive end for the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers (1967–1976), winning Super Bowl V. After retiring, he became famous for his role as Hightower in the Police Academy series, as well as appearing in TV shows like Married… with Children and Half Nelson.
Fred Williamson played cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs (1960–1967). After football, he became a Blaxploitation film star in movies like Black Caesar (1973) and Hammer (1972). He also appeared in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996).
Terry Crews played defensive end and linebacker for Western Michigan University, later spending time in the NFL with the Rams, Chargers, Redskins, and Eagles (1991–1997). After his football career, he gained fame as an actor in White Chicks (2004), The Expendables series, and as Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021).
Carl Weathers played linebacker at San Diego State University and had a short stint in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders (1970–1971) before playing in the CFL. He later became famous for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, as well as roles in Predator (1987), Happy Gilmore (1996), and The Mandalorian (2019–2023).
Jim Brown is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, playing for the Cleveland Browns (1957–1965). He retired at his peak to pursue an acting career, starring in classic films like The Dirty Dozen (1967), 100 Rifles (1969), and Mars Attacks! (1996). His transition set the stage for future athletes moving into Hollywood.
Before becoming a global superstar, Dwayne Johnson played college football at Miami, winning a national championship in 1991 as a defensive tackle. Though he never made it to the NFL, he briefly played in the CFL (Calgary Stampeders). After his football career, he became a WWE legend and later transitioned into Hollywood, starring in blockbuster films like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, Black Adam, and Moana.
