Carl Weathers’ death was felt around the world, including in the soccer world.
Weathers, 76, died in his sleep Thursday, his family announced in a statement Friday.
Weathers may be best known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series and Derrick “Chubbs” Peterson in the golf comedy Happy Gilmore, but before becoming a silver screen icon, Weathers was a professional. was an athlete.
A multi-sport athlete in his youth at Long Beach Poly High School, Weathers played college football first at Long Beach City College, then at San Diego State University where he played under Don Coryell and led the Aztecs in the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. He contributed to the team’s victory. Finished 11-0 as a defensive end.
He then signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 1970, appearing in seven games as a linebacker and contributing to that year’s AFC Championship appearance.
He became a strong safety in 1971 and appeared in one game against Oakland before being released.
Bill Callahan and owner Al Davis practice during the team’s summer training camp in 2003. AP
The team released a statement Friday following the beloved actor’s death.
“The Raiders family is mourning the loss of Carl Weathers, who passed away on Thursday.” the team said. Weathers played two seasons on The Silver and Black and went on to a successful acting career that spanned five decades, best known for playing boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky series and many others. Always a proud Raider, Weathers will be greatly missed by the Raiders family and many fans around the world.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Weathers family at this time.”
He then joined the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, appearing in 18 games from 1971 to 1973 and recording a fumble recovery before retiring in 1974.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Carl Weathers, former #BCLions linebacker and beloved Rocky character Apollo Creed. Rest in peace, legend.” Lyons wrote in ‘X’.
Former NFL quarterback, current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III also wrote his thoughts. About the actor legend of X.
“There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. Rest in peace to the legend.” he wrote.
