Long before Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, America’s football star was Jim Brown. The three-time MVP running back ruled the Cleveland Browns in the 50s and 60s. After nine seasons as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, he retired at only 29 in 1966. While that may have seemed a tad too young, it did give him ample time to transition into his next wildly successful career as a film actor.
The actor/athlete star starred in a string of tough-guy films in the late 60s and 70s, most notably, The Dirty Dozen (1967). His career spanned many years and consisted of films in a number of genres like the dystopian action film The Running Man with Arnold Shwazaeggger and the weird sci-fi Mars Attacks!
Alex Karras
Like his fellow athlete stars, Karras struck it pretty big for some time during the '70s and '80s. The young football player found his way into the spotlight with his odd sense of humor. It even landed him a role as Webster in the classic Mel Brooks comedy "Blazing Saddles."
The actor went on to appear in several other television series and films such as "M.A.S.H," "The Odd Couple," and more.
Matthew Fox
The Lost star was on the road to success with his football skills. Well, almost. What started out to be a passionate dream in sports ended up being a giant wake-up call, reaffirming that the actor should pursue a different path. Throughout his football "career," Fox lost 44 games during his college years.
He had a 2-38 record when plated for Columbia as a wide receiver. Thankfully Matt found his calling, and now the Emmy and Golden Globe actor can breathe easy. One good thing that came from Columbia was his now-wife, Margherita Ronchi.
Matthew McConaughey
You wouldn't expect Mr. Cool himself to be a champ in one of the dorkiest sports in the world. We're sorry to say this, and yes, golf is a game of immense skill, and we appreciate those putters, but we thought Mat might be more into Nascar racing or even football.
The Dallas Buyers Club star was an avid golfer throughout high school and claimed once to received four aces in his lifetime. The actor has an 8.6 handicap and regularly appears at golfing events. More importantly, he makes golf shirts look great.
Charlie Sheen
The Two and a Half Men star, Charlie Sheen, has not seen an easy time in his Hollywood career. Having just about all the fame, fortune, and parties he can handle, the actor is possibly thinking back on better days, pre-all the Hollywood madness. Perhaps even all the way back to high school, where he was a star pitcher on his baseball team.
Known then as Charlie Estevez, the star was throwing fastballs on the field and even had a shot at going pro. You can see his skills in the film Eight Men Out. That's real talent right there.