5 NFL players who succeeded in the entertainment industry
Antonio Brown and Von Miller both competed on this season's "Dancing with the Stars," with this year's version concluding Tuesday evening.
Brown and Miller are far from the first players to take their talents to Hollywood, joining a number of former football stars from past generations.
With this "DWTS" season ending, here are five players who succeeded in the entertainment industry.
Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan was one of the most dominant pass-rushers ever, setting the single-season sack record (22.5) as a member of the New York Giants in 2001. Ranking fifth all time in career sacks, Strahan led the Giants to a Super Bowl victory in 2007 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014 after being named to the Pro Bowl seven times.
Strahan gained further fame once his football career ended, starring on ABC's "Live with Kelly and Michael" before joining "Good Morning America" in April. One of the most prolific defensive ends in NFL history, Strahan may be even more successful on TV.
Jim Brown
Arguably the greatest running back of all time, Jim Brown kept busy outside of football after hanging up his cleats in 1965. Brown began his film career in a 1964 Western titled "Rio Conchos" and boasts 55 credits on his IMDb page. The eight-time Pro Bowler saw his national profile rise with an appearance in the 1967 hit "The Dirty Dozen" and the 1969 Western "100 Rifles." His last role came in the 2014 movie "Draft Day."
Brown's been an active participant in the film industry and may continue to field roles at 80.
O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson was selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1969 after winning the Heisman Trophy in his final collegiate season at USC. Simpson won the NFL rushing title four times and was named a first-team All-Pro in five consecutive seasons (1972-76).
Simpson's career on the big screen took off following his role in the 1974 film "The Towering Inferno," a film that garnered eight Academy Award nominations. The former running back eventually took a starring role in "The Naked Gun" trilogy, elevating his profile.
Following his acquittal for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, Simpson starred in a hidden-camera prank show called "Juiced" in 2006 that aired as a one-time PPV special. In 2008, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison for charges including armed robbery and kidnapping.
Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw was one of the defining quarterbacks of his era, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. The 67-year-old was active in the film industry after his football career ended, earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bradshaw appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Malcolm in the Middle" and "The League," and played a minor role in the 2006 box office hit "Failure to Launch."
Terry Crews
Terry Crews is the only player on this list who's undoubtedly better known for his film career than his football exploits. Crews played in 32 NFL games, his most notable stint coming in 1995 as a linebacker for the Washington Redskins. Crews' extensive filmography includes roles in "Training Day," "Friday After Next," and "Terminator Salvation." The 47-year-old has been even more successful on TV: Crews had a memorable five-episode arc on "Arrested Development" and he's currently part of the ensemble cast on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."