Moments in NFL History: Lights, camera, retirement!
In today’s world, the ever-broadening crossover of sports to Hollywood ranges from small cameos to huge starring roles. While this has happened since athletes have been seen as stars in their own right, one man took it to a new level.
On this date (July 14) in 1966, JIM BROWN stepped away from the National Football League after a dominant nine-year career. He was only 30 years old and coming off one of his most productive seasons.
In 1965, Brown led the NFL in rushing attempts, yards, touchdowns, touches and yards from scrimmage. He was considered at the peak of his career.
Brown’s retirement was surprising and a bit controversial.
While on location in London filming the movie “The Dirty Dozen,” he made the decision to step away from the game. There were delays in the production schedule of the movie, which was causing Brown to miss crucial time with his Cleveland Browns. After a disagreement with team ownership, and with a potential team suspension looming, Brown decided to step away from the game.
He would total 58 acting credits, according to IMDB, including leading roles in “The Split” (1968), “Riot” (1969), “Ice Station Zebra” (1968) and “100 Rifles” (1969). Brown also appeared in such other series and movies as “Knight Rider,” “The A-Team,” “CHiPs” and “Any Given Sunday.”
Other Hall of Famers took their talents to Hollywood:
- TERRY BRADSHAW, “Failure to Launch”
- MIKE DITKA, “Kicking and Screaming”
- BRETT FAVRE, “There’s Something About Mary”
- MICHAEL IRVIN, “Longest Yard”
- ALEX KARRAS, “Blazing Saddles”
- HOWIE LONG, “Broken Arrow: and “Firestorm”
- DAN MARINO, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”
- RAY NITSCHKE, “Longest Yard”
Brown paved the way for many of today’s athletes to become who they are on the football field. He also was pivotal in athletes making a name for themselves in the entertainment field.
This article is part of recurring series celebrating memorable moments in NFL history.
