Did You Know Actor Terry Crews Had a Distinguished NFL Career Before Becoming Actor?

Not many of us know the untold journey of Terry Crews from the NFL gridiron to Hollywood stardom. Let's delve into the actor's tale from sports to the silver screen.

Published on Sep 11, 2024  |  10:48 PM IST |  50.8K
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Terry knows ball

Terry Crews is a man of many talents, a fact well-known to his fans. Most recognize him for his charismatic performances in iconic movies such as The Longest Yard, White Chicks, and his role as Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  

However, what many people might not know is that before Terry Crews became a Hollywood sensation, he had a remarkable career as a professional football player in the NFL.

Crews' journey to the world of football was quite unexpected. Contrary to what many might assume, his original dreams were not centered on becoming a professional athlete. Instead, he began his career pursuing an entirely different passion.  


Born in Flint, Michigan, Terry Crews attended Western Michigan University on a $500 art scholarship. As fate would have it, he walked onto the football team during his freshman year and eventually earned a full athletic scholarship after his sophomore year. 

His talent and dedication on the field led to a remarkable opportunity when he was drafted into the NFL, ultimately laying the foundation for his distinguished football career. 

Between 1991 and 1996, Terry Crews donned the jersey of several NFL teams, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. He was drafted in the 11th round by the L.A. Rams in 1991 and went on to play six games with the team before taking a brief hiatus. 

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After his return in 1993, he signed with the Green Bay Packers before making his way to the San Diego Chargers, where he appeared in 10 games during the season. Subsequently, Crews ventured overseas to join the Rhein Fire in Düsseldorf, Germany, under the World League of American Football. 

His exceptional performance in Germany earned him a one-year contract with a team in Washington, D.C., a promising achievement that also saw him striking a licensing deal with the NFL for his artistic talents. His journey culminated with a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996 before he decided to retire and transition into the next phase of his life. 


Despite retiring from professional football, Terry Crews did not simply fade into the background. Instead, he seamlessly transitioned into the world of entertainment, showcasing a versatility that has captivated audiences worldwide. In 1999, Crews made his on-screen debut on the syndicated series Battle Dome, and he further solidified his path in Hollywood with notable roles in blockbuster movies such as The 6th Day (2000), Training Day (2001), and Friday After Next (2002). 

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His charismatic presence and undeniable talent landed him pivotal roles in iconic films like White Chicks (2004), The Longest Yard (2005), and Idiocracy (2006). Terry also had a wonderful time in the entertainment industry, Crews graced television screens as Terry Jeffords in the beloved series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 

Today, Terry Crews continues to capture the hearts of audiences and fans worldwide as the host of America’s Got Talent, infusing the show with his signature charm and energy since 2019.  

Also Read: Christian McCaffrey’s Injury Status Draws Criticism as NFL Yet to Confirm Investigation

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About The Author

Nitish Singh is a Sports Content Writer at Pinkvilla and covers all things NBA. Apart from following

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