CARL WEATHERS, ROCKY STAR, DIES AT 76
Beloved actor Carl Weathers, known for his roles in the Rocky franchise, Predator, and The Mandalorian, passed away on Feb. 1, as reported by Variety. He was 76 years old.
While Weathers gained fame primarily for his acting career, many may not know that he also had a successful football career. During his college days at San Diego State University under the guidance of Don Coryell, Weathers played as a defensive end. He achieved a remarkable feat in 1969 when he led the Aztecs to victory in the Pasadena Bowl, concluding an undefeated 11-0 season and ranking as the No. 18 team in the nation.
Although Weathers went undrafted, he didn’t let that deter him. In 1970, he signed with the Oakland Raiders and made a position switch to linebacker and later strong safety. Over the course of two seasons, he played a total of eight games, including a memorable appearance in the Raiders’ inaugural AFC Championship game in the 1970 season.
Following his time in the NFL, Weathers continued his football journey in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a member of the BC Lions. He showcased his skills in 18 games spread across three seasons.
During the offseasons, Weathers pursued his passion for acting and even earned a bachelor’s degree in drama from San Diego State in 1974. It was in the film industry where he truly shone, leaving an indelible mark on sports movie history. Weathers gained widespread recognition for his breakthrough role as Apollo Creed, the fierce rival turned mentor in the Rocky series, spanning from the original film to Rocky IV. Additionally, he charmed audiences as the golf mentor Chubbs in the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore and portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in the popular television show Arrested Development.
Weathers’ impact on the sports world extended beyond the big screen. He was also involved in the coverage of the 2017 NFL Draft, showcasing his deep connection to the game he loved.
Carl Weathers leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a passion for both football and acting. He will be dearly missed by fans around the world.
