RIP to the legend, Carl Weathers. One of my favorites. And surprisingly, most people don’t know his amazing career trajectory: Before Apollo Creed & 40+ years of acting roles, Weathers was a sensitive, bullied kid. Then he found football… This is the story of the remarkable rise of Carl Weathers from bullied kid to football star to Rocky:
1/ It’s January 14th, 1948.
Carl Weathers is born in New Orleans.
It’s the Deep South. A tough city.
“In the streets they’ll kill you, literally. It was my curse to be a sensitive kid. Things I was drawn to, acting or singing, had no credibility on the street,” he said….
2/ As a grade school kid, Weathers isn’t happy.
Had little interest in sports.
Couldn’t explain his creative interests.
“The other guys would say, ‘What is this, man?’ and all I could do was mumble.”
Then he discovers girls & football. And that girls liked guys who played.
3/ Carl goes out for the football team in 8th grade. He’s fast. Strong. Has natural instincts.
He’s a star. Girls love him. So do HS recruits.
He earns a scholarship to St. Augustine, a prestigious Catholic high school for Black male students….
4/ “If you were a black kid in New Orleans, it seemed like an overwhelming privilege and opportunity…
For me it was as awesome as going into outer space,” Weathers said in an interview after Rocky II
He excels at St. Augustine before his family moves to Long Beach, CA….
5/ Weathers goes to Long Beach City College
Then earns a full ride to San Diego State for football.
He’s a star defensive end in 1968 & ’69.
The Aztecs go 11-0 in ’69. Finish #18 in the UPI poll.
“I finally thought I was a jock,” he said, “and owed myself a shot at pro ball..
6/ It’s the 1970 NFL Draft
Weathers thinks he has a chance. Goes undrafted.
But after a tryout, the Oakland Raiders sign him to play linebacker.
He lasts a few seasons… then signs with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian League, before a short stint with the Detroit Lions…..
7/ “I was good enough to fool ’em, but never dedicated enough to become a great player,” Weathers said.
Meanwhile, he keeps an eye on acting…
Waiting for the right role to quit football and jump to the silver screen for good…
He does theater. Gets small TV parts. Then….
8/ In 1976, Carl Weathers lands the role of a lifetime: Apollo Creed.
All because he had the eye of the tiger.
And you know the rest.
Man, I loved Carl Weathers. We all did.
If you enjoyed reading this and you’ve ever said, “you fight great, but I’m a great fighter” then we should be best pals and you should subscribe to my Books & Biceps newsletter ASAP:
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And if you’re looking for your next great read, might I suggest my biography of the one-and-only Macho Man Randy Savage:
