Skip to content

Norman dismisses 'Hollywood' criticism after MNF clunker

Steve Dykes / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman tossed aside the notion Wednesday that his recent struggles are related to his off-field interests and newfound celebrity status.

On Tuesday, former Redskins teammate DeAngelo Hall said Norman "is in love with being a celebrity right now" instead of being a football player.

"I seen a little bit of what he said with Hollywood and I can say that's true - I have went Hollywood," Norman told ESPN's John Keim. "I've been Hollywood. Ever since I came out my mama's womb, I've been Hollywood. If they went right, I went left. That's just how we did. When the lights came on, that's just who we are."

Norman hasn't quite lived up to the hype that accompanied him to Washington three years ago when he signed the most expensive contract for a cornerback in NFL history. He struggled mightily against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football and was benched at halftime.

Related: Thomas, Norman have Twitter battle after MNF

Norman spent the previous week - Washington's bye - in Los Angeles to work on a sitcom called "Taking ConTroll." He also served as a guest analyst on FOX's NFL coverage. Norman was a contestant on "Dancing With The Stars" during the offseason.

"When it's football time, I'm going to do football," said Norman, who previously acknowledged he's eyeing a career in acting once his NFL career ends. "But outside of football? You're going to tell me I'm just supposed to do football outside of football? Or can I do something else? I don't know. I mean, I don't know if I'm supposed to live my life with a football helmet on when I retire from football."

Norman, 30, was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection with the Carolina Panthers in 2015. He hasn't repeated either feat since joining the Redskins.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox