Question: Which Rocky actor once played in the NFL?
Show answer
Carl Weathers.
The Rocky actor who once played in the NFL is Carl Weathers. He portrayed the character Apollo Creed, a charismatic and talented boxer who is Rocky Balboa’s initial rival and later his friend and mentor, in the Rocky film series.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1948, Weathers pursued a career in football before becoming an actor. After playing college football at Long Beach City College and then at San Diego State University, Weathers was signed as a free agent by the Oakland Raiders in 1970. He played linebacker for the Raiders in 7 games over two seasons (1970-1971) in the National Football League (NFL).
After his time with the Raiders, Weathers joined the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, playing 18 games in 1971-1972. However, his professional football career was relatively brief. Weathers retired from football in 1974 and then moved to acting.
Weathers’ most iconic role is undoubtedly Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, starting with the first film in 1976. His portrayal of Creed – a role he would reprise in three sequels – remains one of the most memorable characters in the Rocky franchise. Weathers has also had notable roles in other films and television shows, such as “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “The Mandalorian.”
