Introduction
Kelly Lynn Washington, also known as Kelly Kelley, is a former football player turned actress. With her athletic background and natural talent, she has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. In this post, we will explore her journey from the football field to the big screen.
Early Life and Football Career
Childhood and Education
Kelly Washington was born in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a family of athletes and was exposed to sports from a young age. She attended the University of Tennessee, where she played football as a wide receiver. During her college career, she set multiple records and was named an All-American.
Professional Football
After college, Kelly Washington was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. She played for the Bengals for three seasons before being traded to the New England Patriots. In 2007, she signed with the Baltimore Ravens but was released before the start of the season due to a knee injury.
Transition to Acting
Early Roles
After her football career ended, Kelly Washington pursued acting. She landed her first role in the 2009 film โThe Blind Side,โ playing the character of Joanne. She also appeared in the television series โFriday Night Lightsโ and โCSI: Miami.โ
Breakout Role
Kelly Washingtonโs breakout role came in 2012 when she was cast as the character of Kimara Walters in the ABC drama series โScandal.โ Her performance was praised by critics, and she became a fan favorite. She went on to appear in other popular shows such as โHow to Get Away with Murderโ and โThe Good Doctor.โ
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Kelly Washington is married to former NFL player Casey Washington. They have two children together. In interviews, Kelly has spoken about the challenges of balancing her career and family life.
Philanthropy
Kelly Washington is also involved in philanthropy work. She has worked with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has also spoken out about social issues such as domestic violence and racial inequality.
Conclusion
Kelly Washingtonโs journey from football player to actress is a testament to her versatility and determination. She has proven that with hard work and talent, one can succeed in multiple fields. We look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in the future.
FAQ
Who is Kelly Washington?
Kelly Washington is an American actress who started her career as a football player.
What was Kelly Washingtonโs football career like?
Kelly Washington played college football at the University of Tennessee and later played professionally in the NFL for teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots.
How did Kelly Washington transition from football to acting?
After retiring from football, Kelly Washington pursued a career in acting. She started by taking acting classes and eventually landed roles in TV shows and movies.
What are some of Kelly Washingtonโs notable acting roles?
Kelly Washington is best known for her roles in TV shows like โScandalโ and โThe Crossingโ and movies like โThe Butlerโ and โDeath at a Funeralโ.
What other interests does Kelly Washington have?
Apart from acting, Kelly Washington is also passionate about fashion and has her own clothing line called โSixteen Sundaysโ. She also supports various charitable causes, including organizations that promote education and health.
