College athletes frequently grasp the balancing act of academic achievement and athletic excellence. This necessitates a high level of discipline, so it’s no wonder that many of these studious and athletic individuals go on to have successful careers in other professions after graduation, often employing what they gained as college athletes.
For example, former US President George H.W. Bush played baseball and soccer at Yale. He was also a fierce competitor. After focusing only on baseball, the future President of the United States helped his team qualify for the College World Series twice.
Many of the superstars we all know and love were involved in sports while they were in school. Did their background as athletes propel them to a career in show business?
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson, a former wrestler, turned Hollywood movie star, has achieved financial success on the big screen.
Johnson was a member of the Miami Hurricanes’ 1991 national championship squad in college football. He was undrafted and attempted the CFL, but he found his passion in the ring, where he became known as The Rock to millions of fans.
John Goodman
John Goodman has a long and illustrious acting career that includes parts such as Dan on Roseanne and Sully in Monsters, Inc.
He was a lineman in college at Southern Missouri State University before becoming a household name. Due to injuries, his college career was cut short, so he turned to acting, and the rest is history.
Keanu Reeves
You wouldn’t have considered Keanu Reeves a hockey player, but he was a De La Salle College goalkeeper. I’m terrified to see what John Wick can accomplish on an ice skate. Aside from John Wick, Reeves has had a long and successful acting career, ranging from Speed to The Matrix.
Leslie Jones
In terms of cast members, Leslie Jones was a fan favorite on Saturday Night Live. Her comedic career has even led to her presenting her own series, such as Supermarket Sweep.
She received a basketball scholarship to Chapman University. Seeing Jones in the paint on defense must have been terrifying, especially if she was ready to roast you for the rest of your life.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali received a basketball scholarship to St. Mary’s College (CA) in 1996. He abandoned his sporting career in favour of a career in theatre.
Since the late 2010s, Ali has conquered the film industry, appearing in Moonlight, Green Book (for which he earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor), and is poised to play in Marvel’s Blade.
Jason Sudeikis
Jason Sudeikis is most known for his appearances on Saturday Night Live, but he is also a former athlete. He was a basketball player at Fort Scott Community College.
After retiring from basketball, he pursued comedy, which led to an SNL appearance, which led to some good work in television and cinema.
Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker has had a successful acting career, but who knows whether it would have been possible if he had participated in athletics during his undergraduate years.
He was set to play football on a scholarship at California State Polytechnic University, but a back ailment forced him to alter his major to music, which he then moved to USC. He featured in several films where he won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor.
