8 Of The Best Sports Figures Turned Actors

Former NFL Pro Bowler turned actor Bernie Casey passed away yesterday at the age of 78, and frankly, it’s hard to think of some of our favorite 1980’s comedies without him.

Casey’s passing got us thinking about other sports figures who’ve successfully crossed over to a successful acting career.  Let’s face it:  It’s not always easy to make that jump, and we’ve definitely seen some failures over the years, but we think these eight former sports figures made that jump the best.

While Casey had successful turns in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, we’ll always remember him as Lambda Lambda Lambda head U.N. Jefferson from Revenge of the Nerds.

Being Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise would’ve been enough, but Weathers’ comedic turns in Happy Gilmore and Arrested Development prove he’s more than worthy of this list.

He may have won a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Colts, but the late Bubba Smith will forever in our hearts be Officer Moses Hightower from the Police Academy movies.

Arnold’s acting career is so prolific, it can be easy to forget about his incredible bodybuilding career.  Also, when you’re known for so many quotes and one-liners, you’ve more than made the jump to acting successfully.

Andre makes this list solely based on four words:  Anybody want a peanut?

Imagine being one of the greatest basketball players of all time AND being in one of the greatest comedy films of all time.   

Acting as the play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers since 1971, Uecher biggest TV role came as George Owens on Mr. Belvedere, but who could forget his turn as Harry Doyle in the Major League films.  (Well…just the first film.  Those sequels are just no good.)

In 2016, Johnson was the highest paid actor IN THE WORLD!  Who saw that coming during the days when he was checking jabronis into the Smackdown Hotel?

Erica Banas is a lover of classic television and wishes tap dancing would make a serious comeback.