Terry Crews’s 1991–1996 professional football career served as the springboard for his ultimate ascent to Hollywood fame. Crews, who was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the eleventh round of the 1991 NFL Draft, played linebacker and defensive end for a number of teams. His 1995 stint with the Washington Redskins was a pivotal moment in his football career, and he recently shared his thoughts on the occasion in a moving social media post alongside the great Brian Mitchell (see the entire post below).
Crews demonstrated his athletic ability by playing in 16 games as a defensive tackle during his time at Washington. He had played for the San Diego Chargers in 1993, the Los Angeles Rams in 1991, the Green Bay Packers in 1993 (although he did not play in any games), and the Rhein Fire of the World League of American Football in 1995 before joining the team. Before formally retiring from sports in 1997, Crews played his final season in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. Crews revealed that he had a special side gig that allowed him to make ends meet: once Washington cut him, he would go back to ask players if they wanted their portraits drawn. Before he reached Hollywood, a number of players, like Brian Mitchell, had faith in him and paid for his services.
After retiring, Crews relocated to Los Angeles in hopes of succeeding in the entertainment business. The change wasn’t instantaneous, but it started with a Battle Dome audition, which he compared to American Gladiators on steroids. In 1999, he landed a part as T-Money, making his cinematic debut. Crews progressively gained reputation for his comedic talent by beginning with appearances and minor parts. He became more well-known because to his roles in movies like Friday After Next (2002) and White Chicks (2004) as well as his iconic Old Spice ads.
With important appearances in movies and television, Crews further cemented his Hollywood career. From 2005 to 2009, he played Julius Rock in the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. From 2013 until 2021, he played Terry Jeffords in the hit sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He has appeared in the films Blended (2014), Idiocracy (2006), and The Expendables (2010–2014). In addition to her acting career, Crews became a host, appearing on shows including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and America’s Got Talent.
Crews credits his success in entertainment to the discipline and fortitude he cultivated during his football career, which enabled him to face Hollywood’s obstacles head-on. His football career laid the foundation for a successful career in the entertainment industry, even though it may not have been distinguished by championship victories. “So many of you ask about my art, and this is where it all began,” he added. With brush, hustle, and optimism.
27 years old. Cut from the Washington Commanders, formerly the Washington Redskins. I had a gift—painting—a desire, and a family to provide for.
I used to return to the locker room as an artist, not a player, and ask the men if they wanted their pictures painted. I painted my way from team to team over my first seven years in the NFL in this manner. It kept me going, kept Rebecca and I fed, and gave us hope for what was ahead.
This picture? I painted Brian Mitchell, one of the team’s stars and one of the few people who had enough faith in me to invest, when I was 27 years old. I just received this picture from him today. It instantly reminded me of something I hadn’t seen in decades.
I relocated to Hollywood two years later. You already know the remainder of the story.
This is where it all began because so many of you have asked about my artwork. With a brush, a bustle, and hope.
What are your thoughts?
