10 Famous Actors Who Nearly Became Pro Athletes

Some actors light up the screen with their charisma, but before they were famous, they were sweating it out on fields, courts, or tracks, chasing dreams of professional sports. Injuries, tough choices, or a shift in passion led them to acting, but their athletic roots shaped their grit and star power.

I’ve uncovered ten famous actors who came close to pro sports careers, each with a story of talent and a pivot to Hollywood. From football fields to diving boards, their near-misses in athletics make their on-screen success even more fascinating.

Dean Cain

Dean Cain, known for playing Superman in ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’ (1993-1997), was a standout football player at Princeton University. He set a school record with 12 interceptions in a single season, earning All-Ivy League honors.

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1988, Cain’s pro dreams ended after a knee injury in training camp. Encouraged by his father, he turned to writing and acting, landing roles in films like ‘The Broken Hearts Club’ (2000), but his athletic discipline still shines through.

Jason Statham

Jason Statham, the action hero of ‘The Expendables’ (2010) and ‘The Beekeeper’ (2024), was a professional diver on Britain’s National Diving Squad. He competed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, ranking 12th in the 1-meter springboard event.

Statham’s diving career didn’t lead to Olympic glory, so he modeled and was spotted by director Guy Ritchie for ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ (1998). His athletic background fuels his stunt-heavy roles, where he often performs his own action scenes.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker, who won an Oscar for ‘The Last King of Scotland’ (2006), was a promising quarterback in high school and earned a football scholarship to California State Polytechnic University. A back injury in college cut his sports dreams short.

Whitaker pivoted to acting, landing his first role as a football player in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982). His physicality and intensity, honed on the field, carried over into powerful performances in films like ‘Bird’ (1988).

Josh Duhamel

Josh Duhamel, known for ‘Transformers’ (2007) and ‘Safe Haven’ (2013), played quarterback at Minot State University, racking up 1,242 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons. He dreamed of going pro but wasn’t drafted.

After college, Duhamel modeled and then broke into acting with ‘All My Children’ (1999-2002). His athletic build and charm, shaped by years on the gridiron, helped him land leading roles in romantic comedies and action flicks.

Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones, star of ‘The Fugitive’ (1993) and ‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007), played offensive line at Harvard, earning All-Ivy League honors in 1968. He even played in the famous ‘Harvard Beats Yale 29-29’ game, a legendary college football tie.

Jones chose acting over a pro football tryout, studying drama at Harvard. His tough, disciplined persona, forged on the field, became a hallmark of his gritty, award-winning performances.

Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart, beloved for hosting ‘The Daily Show’ (1999-2015), was a soccer standout at William & Mary, where he walked on to the men’s team and became a starter by his senior year. His coach praised his speed and tenacity.

Stewart’s soccer dreams didn’t lead to a pro contract, so he turned to comedy and acting. His quick wit and energy, honed on the pitch, made him a sharp, Emmy-winning TV host.

Ed O’Neill

Ed O’Neill, iconic as Al Bundy in ‘Married… with Children’ (1987-1997) and Jay Pritchett in ‘Modern Family’ (2009-2020), played defensive lineman at Ohio University and Youngstown State. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969.

Cut during training camp, O’Neill pursued acting, using his tough-guy athletic edge to nail comedic roles. His football past added authenticity to his portrayal of the football-obsessed Al Bundy.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds, star of ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ (1977) and ‘Deliverance’ (1972), was a high school all-star fullback who earned a football scholarship to Florida State. A knee injury ended his college career early.

Reynolds shifted to acting, bringing his athletic swagger to roles like the charming Bandit. His sports background and charisma made him a Hollywood legend and a Seminoles Hall of Fame inductee.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx, who won an Oscar for ‘Ray’ (2004), was a football and basketball star in high school, dreaming of playing for the Dallas Cowboys. He became the first quarterback at his Texas high school to pass for over 1,000 yards.

Foxx chose a music and acting career over sports, studying at United States International University. His athletic energy fuels his dynamic performances in films like ‘Django Unchained’ (2012).

Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon, known for ‘NCIS’ (2003-present) and ‘St. Elsewhere’ (1983-1986), was a starting quarterback at UCLA, leading the Bruins to a 17-5 record from 1972-1973, including an upset over Nebraska. He considered a pro football career.

Harmon opted for acting, using his leadership and focus from the field to craft compelling roles. His athletic poise adds depth to his portrayal of the steady Agent Gibbs.

Which actor’s near-pro sports career surprised you most, or do you know another star with a hidden athletic past? Share your thoughts in the comments!