Terry Crews used art to make money during NFL career with Washington
Crews was a strong, fast linebacker for the Washington Redskins, and then suddenly he was not.
Crews' journey to the NFL had not come easily. He didn't get to play at a big-time Big Ten or SEC university; instead, he played at Western Michigan. However, Crews exhibited enough speed, strength and athleticism that he was drafted by the LA Rams in the 11th round (281 overall) during the 1991 NFL Draft.
Advertisement
But life in the NFL is quite different than playing for one of the 365 Division 1 NCAA football teams. The NFL was 28 teams when Crews played his first season with the Rams in 1991. It's tough enough to make a 53-man roster as Crews did with the Rams.
He was cut by multiple NFL teams but he did play one season each for three NFL teams: Rams (1991), Chargers (1993) and Redskins (1995). The NFL is brutal, and for all of his hard work, he was able to only contribute one solo tackle and on assist for the Redskins that least NFL season of his career. The linebacker's career in the NFL came to an abrupt end when the Redskins released him.
Crews would later make it to Hollywood, being fortunate enough to earn roles in several television shows and several movies as well. But he didn't simply have Hollywood recruiting him when his NFL career ended. He had to rely on other talents.
The surprising route for Crews was the he was very artistic and developed those talents as a kid growing up in Flint Michigan. He was given a flute and took lessons for eight years. He loved to draw and paint and did it well enough that he received an art scholarship to Western Michigan and then, later joined the football team. He even once drew courtroom sketches during the trial of a horrible murder case in Flint.
Advertisement
Telling his story once on a Jimmy Kimmel Show appearance, Crews told of how he was able to play for three NFL teams but was actually on six different teams in seven seasons trying to make a roster. So, he would ask players if they would like him to paint a portrait for them. He would do so and they would pay him. It's how he made money some of those years before he went to Hollywood.
Here is one such portrait, of Crews' Washington Redskins teammate Brian Mitchell. Crews was 27 when he produced this wonderful portrait of Mitchell. His talents in music, art, acting are talents he can (and does) still use today, 30 years after his football career concluded.
Crews appeared on Old Spice commercials for a time and has had several featured acting roles over the years. These days, Crews is best known as the host of "America's Got Talent."
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Terry Crews played one season for Washington before turning to acting
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why Did Cierra Ortega Leave Love Island USA? What Happened?
Wondering why Cierra Ortega suddenly disappeared from or what caused her unexpected exit? The popular Peacock reality series has kept fans engaged with Season 7's intense couplings and villa drama, but Episode 30 dropped a surprising update mid-broadcast. With little explanation offered onscreen, many viewers are now asking: Why did Cierra Ortega leave Love Island USA? Here's what we know about Cierra's departure and the controversy surrounding her exit from the show. Cierra Ortega exited Love Island USA Season 7 following backlash from viewers. The controversy stemmed from a resurfaced social media post where she used a racial slur. Episode 30, which aired on July 6, 2025, on Peacock, announced her departure. Around 15 minutes into the episode, narrator Iain Stirling stated, 'Cierra has left the villa due to a personal situation, leaving Nic officially single' (via Deadline). The departure occurred after viewers uncovered an older post by Ortega referencing her eyes using a derogatory term toward the Asian community. The post, which showcased cosmetic work, led to widespread criticism across social media platforms, with many demanding her removal from the show. The show edited Ortega out of episodes leading up to the announcement without directly addressing the controversy. Cierra joined as an original cast member and was in a committed couple with Nic Vansteenberghe when she left. In a conversation with contestant Ace Greene, Nic expressed his confusion, stating, 'Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear. I knew what the future would look like, and now I'm lost.' When asked if he would continue exploring connections in the villa, Nic replied, 'I don't know.' This marks the second removal of a contestant from the current season due to resurfaced content involving racial slurs. Producers removed Yulissa Escobar in Episode 2 after old podcast clips surfaced showing her repeatedly using the n-word. After her departure, Escobar issued an apology on Instagram acknowledging the harm caused by her words, stating, 'Intention doesn't excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real.' Both incidents prompted the show to quietly address the departures on-air without direct reference to the controversies. The post Why Did Cierra Ortega Leave Love Island USA? What Happened? appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mexico defeat the USA to win the Gold Cup
Despite falling behind early on, Mexico staged a comeback to defeat the United States 2-1. USA boss Mauricio Pochettino was hoping to win his first title since leaving PSG and his side took the lead early on. Advertisement Indeed, the hosts oopened the scoring in the fourth minute of the game. Sebastian Berhalter sent in a free kick into the box that Chris Richards headed home. However, Mexico's response was swift. Javier Aguirre's pushed forward, chased the deficit and quickly equalised through Fulham's Raúl Jiménez. In the 27th minute, the forward received the ball inside the box, turned and shot first-time, catching the opposing goalkeeper by surprise followed by a goal celebration in tribute to the late Diogo Jota. From that point on, the Mexicans had the majority of the chances with the USA looking to hit on the break. Advertisement After plenty of chances, Mexico finally took the lead in the 77th minute. Following a free kick crossing from the left, Johan Vásquez headed the ball inside the box, and captain Edson Álvarez appeared popped up to apply the finishing touch with a header of his own. Patrick Agyemang had a golden opportunity in the final moments of the match to level the score, but the cohesion of Mexico's defensive line held firm to secure the result and, consequently, lift the Gold Cup once again.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Gyokeres gives up salary sum to aid Arsenal transfer
Viktor Gyokeres has accepted to give up €2m from his salary in order to facilitate a transfer to Arsenal from Sporting CP. Sporting and Arsenal are locked in negotiations over the transfer of the forward, who has informed the Portuguese side of his desire to leave this summer. Gyokeres has agreed terms on a five-year contract with Arsenal and is pushing to complete the move as soon as possible. Advertisement Portuguese outlet Record have confirmed that Gyokeres has agreed to give up a €2m sum from his salary to help facilitate the deal. Arsenal are willing to pay a fee of around €70m (£60.4m) for Gyokeres, with Sporting demanding a sum of €80m (£69m). Gyokeres is hopeful his salary sacrifice can help speed along negotiations with the 27-year-old determined to move to the Premier League in time for pre-season. The Sweden international has emerged as Arsenal's top target to strengthen at centre-forward, despite talks with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko. Gyokeres has scored prolifically since his move to Portugal from Coventry City, netting 97 times in 102 appearances for the club. His goals have helped Sporting to successive title triumphs, with Gyokeres leading the Primeira Liga for goals in consecutive campaigns. Advertisement Arsenal are hopeful of making Gyokeres their latest summer signing. The Gunners confirmed the arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on Sunday, a deal that followed the £5m signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Discussions are ongoing for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. Read – Nwaneri wants Arsenal assurances before signing new contract See more – Five who played for both: Arsenal and Real Sociedad Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok