Terry Crews’ professional football career, spanning from 1991 to 1996, laid the foundation for his eventual transition into Hollywood stardom. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round of the 1991 NFL Draft, Crews played as a defensive end and linebacker for several teams. His time with the Washington Redskins in 1995 marked a significant chapter in his football journey, a period he recently reflected on through a poignant social media post featuring legendary Brian Mitchell (full post available below).
During his stint with Washington, Crews appeared in 16 games as a defensive lineman, showcasing his athletic prowess. Prior to joining the team, he had played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1991, the Green Bay Packers in 1993 (though he didn’t play in any games), the San Diego Chargers in 1993, and the Rhein Fire of the World League of American Football in 1995. Crews’ last playing year in the NFL was with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996 before officially retiring from football in 1997. Crews shared that when Washington cut him, he’d return to ask players if they wanted their portraits painted, a unique hustle that helped him survive. Brian Mitchell was one of the players who believed in him and invested in his services before he made it to Hollywood.
Following his retirement, Crews moved to Los Angeles with aspirations of making it in the entertainment industry. Though the transition wasn’t immediate, it began with an audition for “Battle Dome,” a show he likened to “American Gladiators on steroids.” He secured a role as “T-Money,” marking his on-screen debut in 1999. Crews started with smaller roles and cameos, gradually gaining recognition for his comedic talent. His performances in films such as “Friday After Next” (2002) and “White Chicks” (2004), along with his memorable Old Spice commercials, propelled him to wider fame.
Crews further solidified his Hollywood career with significant roles in television and film. He starred as Julius Rock in the UPN/CW sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” from 2005 to 2009 and as Terry Jeffords in the popular sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021. His film credits include roles in “Idiocracy” (2006), “Blended” (2014), and “The Expendables” series (2010-2014). Beyond acting, Crews ventured into hosting, taking on roles for “America’s Got Talent” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Crews attributes the discipline and resilience he developed during his football career to his success in entertainment, allowing him to navigate the challenges of Hollywood with determination. While his football career may not have been marked by championship wins, it provided the groundwork for a thriving career in the entertainment industry. He wrote, “So many of you ask about my art– this is where it all started. With a hope, a hustle, and a brush.”
27 years old. Just cut from the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). I had a dream, a family to support, and a gift: painting.
Back then, I’d walk back into the locker room—not as a player, but as an artist—asking guys if they wanted their portraits painted. That’s how I survived those first seven years in the NFL… painting my way from team to team. It helped me keep going, helped me and Rebecca eat, helped us believe in what was next.
This photo? It’s me at 27 with my painting of Brian Mitchell — one of the stars of the team and one of the few who believed in me enough to invest. He just sent me this pic today. I hadn’t seen it in decades… and it brought me right back.
Two years after this, I moved to Hollywood. And the rest, well… you know the story.
So many of you ask about my art—this is where it all started. With hope, a hustle, and a brush.
What do you think?
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