Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Carl Weathers: From Gridiron Glory to Hollywood Icon

Story by Mitchell Smith

Well hello everyone. Today we take a look back at the life of Carl Weathers. Weathers was born in 1948 in New Orleans and passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1st. Weathers had a remarkable career in professional football and acting in TV and motion picture rolls. In high school Weathers was an all around athlete including football, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, soccer, and Judo. Weathers played college football at San Diego State University and graduated with a degree in theater arts. In 1970 Weathers would sign with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent. After being released by the Raiders he would sign with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He would then go back to school at San Francisco State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in Drama.

Weathers started taking rolls as an extra while still playing football and decided to enter acting as his full time career. He was in TV shows such as Starsky and Hutch and The Six Million Dollar Man. His big break came along side another up and coming actor Sylvester Stallone. Weathers who plays Apollo Creed is the heavyweight champion and takes on the no name boxer Rocky Balboa. The movie was a hit and Weather would be a staple in the franchise. Along with movies like Predator, Happy Gilmore, and Toy Story 4 Weather would etch his name in Hollywood history over 6 decades. His most recent work is Greef Karga in Star Wars show The Mandalorian.

Growing up Rocky was such a staple franchise and Weathers was such a great athlete I thought he really was the heavyweight champion. Predator was another staple movie growing up for me and just another gritty bad ass character he made. Weathers who has had a remarkable career of strong and memorable characters will truly be missed by the Hollywood community and fans alike. His legacy will live on through all of his hard work and dedication over the years. RIP Mr. Weathers.