Terry Crews: From NFL Linebacker to Hollywood Superstar

Terry Crews is widely recognized for his vibrant personality and varied career in acting and entertainment, notably as the charismatic host of “America's Got Talent.” However, before he became a star in Hollywood, Crews had a substantial career in professional football, including playing in the NFL.

Born on July 30, 1968, in Flint, Michigan, Crews was an excellent art student in his youth but also showed strong prowess in football. He earned an Art Excellence Scholarship to attend the Interlochen Center for the Arts and later a full athletic scholarship for football at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. During his time at Western Michigan, Crews was a standout defensive end for the Broncos, helping to earn his team the Mid-American Conference Championship in 1988.

Following his college success, Terry Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round of the 1991 NFL Draft. His NFL career spanned seven years, during which he played as a linebacker and defensive end. Besides the Rams, he also took to the field for the San Diego Chargers, the Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Eagles. While he was not a marquee player in the league, Crews played in 32 games and contributed to teams’ special teams and defense units.

His time in the NFL, although not stellar, gave him experiences that helped shape his future endeavors in acting and public speaking. The discipline, teamwork, and resilience required in professional sports contributed to his strong work ethic in the entertainment industry. Crews retired from professional football in 1997 and pursued acting, where he found great success. He has often credited his football career with giving him the framework to tackle the challenges of Hollywood.

Remarkably, Crews transitioned into acting with appearances in films and TV shows such as "Battle Dome," “Friday After Next,” "The Expendables,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and as the host of "America's Got Talent." His dynamic presence, both on screen and off, coupled with his inspirational life story of transitioning from an NFL athlete to a beloved entertainment figure, continues to garner him admiration and recognition globally.