Press Release: Stars Who Shone on College Football Fields Before Fame
College football has long been the foundational training ground for NFL legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Yet, beyond the gridiron greats, the sport has also hosted an array of celebrities who pursued football before transitioning to fame in entertainment.
Among the most notable figures is Terry Crews, who played as an EDGE/LB for Western Michigan from 1988 to 1990. Before his rise in Hollywood with roles in films like White Chicks and The Longest Yard, Crews earned All-MAC honors and accumulated 138 tackles and seven sacks during his college career.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also turned heads at the University of Miami from 1990 to 1994. Standing 6’5" and weighing 290 pounds, Johnson made an impact with 77 tackles and 4.25 sacks over 39 games before pursuing his successful careers in wrestling and acting.
Actor Channing Tatum began his athletic journey at Glenville State College in 1999, having initially been recruited by Wake Forest. Despite his aspirations to join the NFL, he left college after one year, opting to follow his passion for acting, later starring in hits like Magic Mike.
Josh Duhamel, best known for his role in the Transformers series, played quarterback at Minot State from 1993 to 1994, throwing for 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns despite limited playing time.
Lastly, Ryan Coogler, famed for directing Black Panther, showcased his athletic skills at Sacramento State from 2004 to 2007, recording 112 receptions for 1,213 yards. He was also a three-time Big Sky Conference All-Academic Award winner.
These former football players exemplify the diverse paths one can take, proving that college fields can lead to success well beyond the sport.
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