4 Comedic Actors Who Played Pro Football

From the gridiron to the big screen, these former athletes found success in comedy.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:47am

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Some comedic actors got their start on the football field before transitioning to entertainment. This article profiles four notable actors - Mike Henry, Lou Ferrigno, Terry Crews, and Ed O'Neill - who played professional football before finding fame as comedians.

Why it matters

It's a rare phenomenon for athletes to successfully pivot to comedy careers, but these four actors prove it's possible to make that transition. Their stories highlight the diverse paths people can take to achieve success in the entertainment industry.

The details

Mike Henry played linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams before appearing in comedy films like Smokey and the Bandit. Lou Ferrigno had a brief stint as a defensive lineman in the Canadian Football League before becoming known as the Incredible Hulk. Terry Crews played defense for several NFL teams in the 1990s before starring on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Ed O'Neill was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 1969 but didn't make the final roster.

  • Mike Henry played in the NFL from 1958 to 1961.
  • Lou Ferrigno played for the Toronto Argonauts in 1976.
  • Terry Crews played in the NFL from 1991 to 1996.
  • Ed O'Neill signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969.

The players

Mike Henry

An NFL linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams before transitioning to a career in comedy, appearing in films like Smokey and the Bandit.

Lou Ferrigno

A former defensive lineman in the Canadian Football League who later became known for his role as the Incredible Hulk.

Terry Crews

A former NFL defensive end and linebacker who played for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins before starring on the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Ed O'Neill

An undrafted free agent signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969 who did not make the final roster, but later found fame as the star of the sitcom Married...With Children.

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The takeaway

These four comedic actors' journeys from the football field to Hollywood highlight the diverse paths people can take to achieve success in entertainment. Their stories demonstrate that athletic talent and comedic ability are not mutually exclusive, and that with determination, athletes can transition to thriving careers in comedy.