Carl Weathers Passes at 76-From NFL Raiders to Apollo Creed Legend
“There is no tomorrow.” Unfortunately, today we have to sadly report, brilliant actor and athlete, Carl Weathers passes at 76. A talent that could act, sing, direct and was blessed with immense athleticism.
Yes, some may know Weathers for the first four Rocky films. Others may reflect on his work in Predator, Arrested Development or the Stars Wars The Mandalorian series. However, we must also not forget his brief sports achievements. According to IMDB,
“Carl Weathers was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A famous and successful football star at San Diego State, he played with the Oakland Raiders and retired from the sport in 1974, in order to give full attention to his goal: to be a real actor.”
Therefore, it is true… Carl Weathers also was an athlete in real life. Playing football at San Diego State, then with the Raiders, and in the CFL. At San Diego, Carl is a dominant force on the field. East Village Times mentions,
“RIP Carl Weathers, former SDSU Aztecs great. Lettered at SDSU during 1968 and 1969 season. He helped Aztecs to a 11-0 record and a Pasadena Bowl Championship, while playing for legendary coach Don Coryell.”
Amazing. Yet, how did the silver and black fair while Weathers was on the team? According to a citation from the Washington Post which is also now featured on Carl’s Wikipedia page,
“After he went undrafted, Weathers signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970. Now playing as a linebacker, Weathers played in seven games for the Raiders in 1970, helping them win the AFC West Division title, on their way to the first-ever AFC Championship Game. Before the 1971 season, Weathers converted into a strong safety.”
Very cool. Moreover, even though Weathers went on to pursue a career in acting; he did not forget his sports roots. Carl later on in life, lent his voice to NFL Films. Silver Screen Artists and Sporting News both report,
“Weathers narrated NFL Films’ season recap of the 1999, 2000 and 2001 seasons. During the 2017 NFL Draft, he appeared on NFL Network’s pre-draft coverage.”
Carl Weathers Passes at 76-From NFL Raiders to Apollo Creed Legend
When we lose a great like Carl Weathers, it’s hard to put his legacy into words. He did a lot. Accomplished a lot. All with a big smile and plenty of class.
Nonetheless, a few sports and entertainment stars are coming forward to share some really nice thoughts on the late Weathers. For instance, Adam Sandler, who had the honor of working with Carl Weathers during the filming of the movie, Happy Gilmore; reacts to Carl Weathers’ passing. Sandler states,
“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”
Moreover, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played in the action film, Predator; with Weathers also fondly remembers Carl. Arnold aka Mr. Universe says,
“Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it.”
Carl Weathers-A Legend Gone at 76
Moreover, sports icon, Earvin Magic Johnson also shares a few kind remarks about Carl. He says,
“Rest in peace to the truly amazing actor and entertainer, Carl Weathers. We all marveled at his talents on the big screen in the “Rocky” franchise as Apollo Creed, and I really enjoyed him in his role as the police chief in the hit TV show “In the Heat of the Night”! Cookie and I are praying for the Weathers family during this difficult time.”
Very nice. So then, it’s easy to see Carl Weathers was a wonderful man and super talented individual. He will be missed.
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