Alex Karras starred in ABC's Webster, but come on, his most famous role came as the horse-punching Mongo in Blazing Saddles. (Associated Press)

Terry Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991 and played sparingly in the NFL before finding Hollywood success in such hits as "Friday After Next," "Bridesmaids," and the TV series "Everybody Hates Chris." (Donald Traill/Associated Press)

Bernie Casey - That's right, U.N. Jefferson from Revenge of the Nerds had an eight-year NFL career, highlighted by a trip to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Los Angeles Rams in 1968. (NFL Photos)

John Matuszak - The Tooz was one of the colorful characters of the Raiders in the 70s, but most remember him when he stole the show as Sloth in Goonies. (Al Golub/Associated Press)

Woody Strode - Strode, along with teammate Kenny Washington, broke the NFL's color barrier in 1946, and then went on to star in numerous films in Hollywood, including a battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus. (Associated Press)

Rosey Grier - Grier was a member of the Los Angeles Rams' Fearsome Foursome, but really showed his true calling as "The Thing with Two Heads." Also was the wrestling coach in "The White Shadow." (NFL Photos)

Dick Butkus - Butkus was one of the meanest football players in history, but he was a regular softie as Coach Katowinski in "Hang Time." He also had numerous TV appearances. (NFL Photos)

Merlin Olsen - Olsen was another member of the "Fearsome Foursome" who went on to Hollywood, first in "Little House on the Prairie" and then as the star of his own vehicle, "Father Murphy." (NFL Photos)

Fred Williamson - Williamson, one of the biggest stars of the AFL, became one of Hollywood's top African-American actors in the 1970s. Kids today might remember his role in "From Dusk Till Dawn." (NFL Photos)

O.J. Simpson - Simpson had many small-time roles in movies like "The Towering Inferno," but really hit his comedic stride as Detective Nordberg in the "Naked Gun" series. Was nearly cast as the Terminator. (NFL Photos)

Bubba Smith - Smith recently passed away and was fondly remembered for his work as Officer Hightower in the "Police Academy" movies. He also starred in the fame Miller Lite commercials of the 1970s. (AP Photo/Michigan State University)

Fred Dryer - Dryer followed in the path of other Los Angeles Rams who moved into acting, even starring in his own series, "Hunter." Nearly won the role as Sam Malone in "Cheers" but had a recurring role as Dave Richards. (NFL Photos)

Jim Brown - Brown is regarded by some as the greatest player in NFL history, but he retired early to star in movies, his breakout role coming in "The Dirty Dozen." Kids today might remember him from punching out a squadron of aliens in the underrated "Mars Attacks." (Perry Knotts/NFL)

Carl Weathers - Weathers had a brief NFL career, but he lives on forever as Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" movies. And he showed his comedic chops in "Arrested Development." (Kim Johnson Flodin/Associated Press)