The 10 best NFL player movie cameos in cinema history
NFL players have always found themselves at the center of attraction, now take a look at the 10 best movie cameos by NFL players in history.
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The NFL is one of the most popular sports leagues in the country and the players playing in the league are no less than celebrities. Some of the players are even considered bigger than celebrities. The lives of NFL players and Hollywood actors/actresses have intertwined from time-to-time.
There have been many players who have been involved in serious relationship with Hollywood actresses including Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who once dated A-list actresses like Olivia Munn and Shailene Woodley. Russell Wilson is also married to a prominent celebrity and singer Ciara.
Professional football players have always held a special place in American culture, and their celebrity status has often led to appearances in movies and TV shows. Over the years, many NFL players have made cameos in films, often playing themselves or characters that are loosely based on their real-life personas. Here are 10 of the best NFL player movie cameos in cinema history.
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#10. Howie Long in ‘Broken Arrow’
Howie Long is a former defensive end who played for the Oakland Raiders for 13 seasons, and he also had a successful acting career. In “Broken Arrow,” he played a henchman in an action thriller starring prominent actor John Travolta.
In the film, Howie Long plays the character Kelly, who is a member of a team of mercenaries led by John Travolta’s character, Vic Deakins. The group steals a nuclear weapon and demands a ransom from the United States government, setting off a high-stakes race to recover the bomb before it can be detonated.
Long’s character Kelly is known for his toughness and combat skills, and he plays a key role in several of the movie’s action scenes. Despite being primarily known for his football career, Long’s performance in “Broken Arrow” was praised by many critics, and he continued to take on acting roles in the years that followed.
#9. Dick Butkus in ‘Gus’
Dick Butkus, the former NFL player, had a supporting role in the 1976 Disney comedy film “Gus.” In the movie, Butkus plays the character “Knuckles,” a henchman for a bookie named Crunch, played by actor Tom Bosley.
Butkus’ performance in “Gus” was praised by some critics, who noted his intimidating physical presence and his ability to deliver humorous lines with a deadpan delivery. The movie was a modest commercial success, grossing over $21 million at the box office, and has since become a cult classic among fans of Disney comedies.
#8. Lawrence Taylor in ‘Any Given Sunday’
Lawrence Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, and he also had a successful acting career. In “Any Given Sunday,” he played a retired football player named Luther Shark Lavay who becomes a mentor to a young quarterback.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and Taylor’s performance was widely praised. The movie also features several other notable football players, including Jim Brown and Warren Moon, and includes several intense and realistic depictions of on-field action. “Any Given Sunday” was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide, and has since become a popular film among sports fans and moviegoers.
#7. Joe Namath in ‘C.C. and Company’
Joe Namath, the former New York Jets QB, had a starring role in the 1970 action film “C.C. and Company.” In the movie, Namath plays the character “C.C. Ryder,” a biker and mechanic who becomes involved in a dangerous plot to steal a drug shipment from a rival gang.
Despite the negative reviews, “C.C. and Company” was a commercial success, grossing over $12 million at the box office. The film has since become a cult classic among fans of 1970s B-movies and has helped to cement Namath’s status as a pop culture icon.
#6. Clay Matthews in ‘Pitch Perfect 2’
Clay Matthews had a cameo appearance in the 2015 musical comedy film “Pitch Perfect 2.” In the movie, Matthews plays himself and is shown attending a riff-off competition between different a cappella groups.
During the competition, Matthews joins the Green Bay Packers‘ acapella group, performing a rendition of the song “Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child. He also engages in some playful banter with the character Bumper, played by Adam DeVine.
#5. Jim Brown in ‘The Dirty Dozen’
Jim Brown, the legendary former Cleveland Browns player, delivered a standout supporting performance in the critically-acclaimed 1967 war film “The Dirty Dozen.” Brown portrayed the character of Robert T. Jefferson, one of the twelve convicts chosen by the U.S. Army for a top-secret mission during World War II.
Critics heaped praise on Brown’s athletic abilities and natural charisma, cementing his status as a bona fide movie star. “The Dirty Dozen” went on to earn four Academy Award nominations and grossed an impressive $45 million at the box office, further solidifying its place in cinematic history as a war classic and fan favorite.
#4. Brett Favre in ‘There’s Something About Mary’
Legendary QB Brett Favre achieved everything on the field and decided to give acting a shot when he featured in a memorable cameo appearance in the 1998 comedy film “There’s Something About Mary.” In the movie, Favre plays himself, and appears in a fantasy sequence in which the protagonist, played by Ben Stiller, imagines meeting and impressing Favre.
The former NFL QB’s cameo is a comedic highlight of the film, as he delivers deadpan lines and engages in physical comedy, including a memorable scene in which he injures himself during a pickup football game. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $360 million worldwide and becoming a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre.
#3. O.J. Simpson in ‘The Towering Inferno’
Before O.J. Simpson got involved in heavy controversy. The former NFL RB appeared in the 1974 disaster film “The Towering Inferno,” directed by John Guillermin and produced by Irwin Allen.
Simpson played the character of Jernigan, a security guard who helps in the evacuation of the burning building. The film featured an all-star cast including Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, and many others. It was a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and winning three.
#2. Terry Bradshaw in ‘Smokey and the Bandit II’
Terry Bradshaw is one of the few athletes who found the equal amount of fame on the big screen as well. The former Pittsburgh Steelers QB was a legendary QB and after that cemented himself as a great mainstream actor as well.
In “Smokey and the Bandit II,” he played himself, appearing in a scene where he has a run-in with the film’s protagonist, the Bandit. The film was a commercial success, and Bradshaw’s performance was widely praised. He is seen driving a Trans Am with his friend, fellow football player Joe Klecko.
The two get into a car chase with Sheriff Buford T. Justice (played by Jackie Gleason) after being mistaken for the Bandit (played by Burt Reynolds). Bradshaw’s appearance in the film is brief, but it is a memorable scene for fans of the film and NFL enthusiasts alike.
#1. Tom Brady in ‘Entourage’
Tom Brady is undoubtedly the greatest NFL athlete to ever set foot on the turf. The former QB played for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while cementing himself as the greatest of all time. The 45-year-old has been an inspiration to many and even shared a few words of wisdom on the silver screen as well.
Tom Brady made a cameo appearance in the show “Entourage” in an episode titled “Dramedy.” In the episode, Johnny Drama (played by Kevin Dillon) is at a charity event trying to convince Tom Brady to appear in his new television series.
Brady’s cameo appearance in “Entourage” was brief, but it was a memorable moment for fans of the show and football enthusiasts alike. At the time, Brady was already a well-established quarterback for the Patriots and had won three Super Bowl championships. His appearance on the show was seen as a nod to his growing popularity and status as a cultural icon.
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Aamir Jethwa
(1484 Articles Published)