From Athletes to Celebrity A-Listers: Former Jocks Who Made it Big in Hollywood

Although it may come as a shock, many famous people initially wanted to become sports stars at some point in their lives before they did a complete 180. Nevertheless, the allure of fame and the applause of the masses proved too firm, and they eventually abandoned their athletic dreams.

Believe it or not, some high school players even choose to forego their promising careers on the field in favor of more conventional routes to fame and fortune in areas like politics, science, and the arts. Many of the names on this list of high academic achievers in the field of physical education may surprise you.

Will Ferrell Scored Touchdowns Before He Made People Laugh

Not many folks may know this, but Will Ferrell, the guy who gave the world Ron Burgundy and Buddy the elf, has an extensive athletic background. Football was Ferrell’s forte, and he was a standout performer throughout his time at University High School. The number of field goals he kicked that season remains an all-time high, but in spite of this, Ferrell never got a scholarship.

Interestingly, Ferrell had already decided to pursue a career in sports writing, so he enrolled at the University of Southern California to do so. His forensic understanding of the industry was critical in making Anchorman a hit with audiences.

George Clooney Wasn’t a Hit on the Court

One look at George Clooney would make anyone conclude he’s got the star factor, but it wasn’t on the silver screen at the time. Rather, Clooney was an aspiring basketball player, but it didn’t end well for him. He was a varsity player in school who belonged to a team that lost too many ball games.

Clooney, at such a young age, fared better on the baseball field. After graduating high school, he got a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds, but it didn’t lead anywhere either. The one awful game he played in a tryout ensured he would never be a pin-up in the world of sports. Too bad for them, but a lucky moment for Hollywood!

Jamie Foxx Was a Popular Jock

Jamie Foxx is among the most popular artists of today’s generation, sweeping accolades since he first started as a singer. As such, it’s pretty hard to imagine him doing anything other than crooning the sweetest love songs. Yet, Foxx excelled on the football and basketball teams while attending Terrell High School in Texas. Jamie, like many Texans, dreamt of playing football for the Dallas Cowboys and yelled their name from the classroom balcony at Terrell.

People thought Foxx would pursue a career as a pro footballer, but he was so overwhelmed by the acclaim when he received a scholarship to study art at San Diego State University rather than football. Despite having set a record for the most yards ever passed by a quarterback, Foxx decided he’d rather be a musician, and the rest is history.