From Football Field to Silver Screen
Before becoming a household name as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore, Carl Weathers made a name for himself as a star football player. Despite going undrafted out of San Diego State in 1970, Weathers managed to sign with the Oakland Raiders, joining the team that went on to reach the AFC Championship that year with John Madden as his head coach. Although his NFL career was short-lived, playing in just eight games, Weathers found success in the Canadian Football League, playing for the BC Lions for 18 games from 1971 to 1973.
A Touching Farewell from Former Teams
The Oakland Raiders and BC Lions both expressed their condolences for the loss of their former player. The Raiders released a statement, saying, “The Raiders Family is mourning the loss of Carl Weathers, who passed away on Thursday. Always a proud Raider, Weathers will be missed dearly by his Raiders Family and his many fans worldwide.” The Lions also offered their thoughts, tweeting, “Our thoughts are with family & friends of Carl Weathers, former #BCLions Linebacker & beloved Rocky character, Apollo Creed. RIP, Legend.”
A Legacy in Film and Television
Weathers’ acting career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Known for his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed, Weathers brought the character to life and became an integral part of the Rocky franchise. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III paid tribute to Weathers, sharing a video of his acting highlights and stating, “There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. RIP to a legend.”
Other notable film credits include appearances in “Friday Foster,” “Bucktown,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt,” “The Comebacks,” and “Toy Story 4.” Weathers most recently starred as Greef Karga in all three seasons of the hit series The Mandalorian.
A Fond Farewell
The news of Carl Weathers’ passing has left many in the entertainment and sports world in mourning. Kyle Brandt, a host on the NFL Network, expressed his sadness, saying, “Very sad about the news of Carl Weathers passing. That man entertained us for 5 decades. He mattered. He’s missed.”
Carl Weathers’ legacy as a talented actor and former football player will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come. Our deepest condolences go out to the Weathers family during this difficult time.
