Remembering Carl Weathers: From Football to Hollywood Stardom
Carl Weathers, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in the “Rocky” franchise, “Predator,” and “The Mandalorian,” passed away on February 1st at the age of 76, according to Variety. While he is best remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry, Weathers also had a successful career in football before transitioning to Hollywood.
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Weathers attended San Diego State University, where he played college football under the guidance of renowned coach Don Coryell. As a defensive end, Weathers played a significant role in the Aztecs’ success, culminating in a victory at the 1969 Pasadena Bowl and an undefeated 11-0 season, which placed them 18th in the national rankings.
Despite his accomplishments, Weathers went undrafted in the NFL. However, he signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1970, where he transitioned from defensive end to linebacker and later to strong safety. Weathers played a total of eight games over two seasons with the Raiders, including their first-ever AFC Championship appearance in the 1970 season.
After his time in the NFL, Weathers pursued a career in acting while playing in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions. Over three seasons, he participated in 18 games, showcasing his versatility and determination to succeed in different fields.
During the offseasons, Weathers worked as an extra in various film productions and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in drama from San Diego State in 1974. His breakthrough role came in 1976 when he portrayed Apollo Creed, the charismatic and flamboyant boxing champion, in Sylvester Stallone’s iconic film “Rocky.” Weathers’ portrayal of Creed earned him widespread recognition and led to appearances in subsequent “Rocky” sequels, including “Rocky II,” “Rocky III,” and “Rocky IV.”
Weathers continued to make an impact in the world of sports movies, starring as golf mentor Chubbs Peterson in the Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore.” He also portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in the critically acclaimed TV series “Arrested Development.”
In addition to his acting career, Weathers remained connected to the world of sports. In 2017, he was part of the NFL Draft coverage, showcasing his enduring passion for the game that shaped his early years.
Carl Weathers leaves behind a lasting legacy as both a talented actor and a former athlete. His on-screen performances will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for generations to come. As we remember his contributions to the entertainment industry, we also recognize the determination and dedication that propelled him from the football field to Hollywood stardom.
