Legendary actor Carl Weathers died Thursday at the age of 76, his family announced.
Tributes have been pouring in from many in Hollywood, including co-star Sylvester Stallone, who played Balboa in Rocky.
But before Weathers hit it big as Apollo Creed or Chubbs Peterson, Weathers was a star football player who made it to the NFL.
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Actor Carl Weathers greets the crowd before the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans game at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Weathers went undrafted out of San Diego State in 1970, but was still able to sign with the Oakland Raiders that year, and played in that season’s AFC Championship with John Madden as head coach.
He was released the following season and played in only eight games in the NFL, but then played in 18 games with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League from 1971 to 1973.
Both the Raiders and Lions released emotional statements about their former players.
“The Raiders family is mourning the loss of Carl Weathers, who passed away on Thursday.” the team said. After two seasons in the Silver and Black, Weathers went on to a successful acting career that spanned five decades, best known for playing boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, among many memorable roles. Always a proud Raider, Weathers will be greatly missed by the Raiders.”His family and many fans around the world. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Weathers family at this time. ”
Host Carl Weathers speaks on stage at the Mandalorian FYC event at the DGA Theater Complex in Hollywood, California on June 11, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
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“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Carl Weathers, former #BCLions linebacker and beloved Rocky character Apollo Creed. Rest in peace, Legend.” written by lions.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III shared a video of highlights of Weathers’ performance.
“There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed. We were lucky that Carl brought him to life. Rest in peace to the legend.” RG3 said.
NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” host Kyle Brandt shared his thoughts.
“The news of Carl Weathers passing is so sad. No Apollo quotes, no Predator GIFs. Just sad.” Brandt said.. “That man entertained us for 50 years. He was an important person. He will be missed.”
Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers (Getty Images)
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Weathers recently starred in all three seasons. “The Mandalorian” As Greef Karga, the leader of the bounty hunters guild. Other film credits include roles in Friday Foster, Bucktown, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Death Hunt, The Comeback, and Toy Story 4. There is.
FOX News’ Bree Stimson contributed to this report.
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