Introduction
Matthew Willig is a former NFL player turned actor who has made a name for himself in Hollywood. He is known for his towering height, standing at 6’7″, and his ability to seamlessly transition from sports to acting. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at his career and life.
Early Life and NFL Career
Matthew Willig was born on January 21, 1969, in La Mirada, California. He attended San Clemente High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he attended the University of Southern California where he played football for the Trojans. In 1992, he was drafted by the New York Jets in the 7th round of the NFL draft. He played for several teams throughout his career, including the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Transition to Acting
After retiring from the NFL in 2005, Matthew Willig decided to pursue a career in acting. He started taking acting classes and landed his first role in the movie “Year of the Dog” in 2007. Since then, he has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including “The Benchwarmers,” “Weeds,” “NCIS,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” and “The Umbrella Academy.”
Memorable Roles
One of Matthew Willig’s most memorable roles was playing the character of Andre the Giant in the TV series “Young Rock.” The show is a biographical comedy based on the life of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Willig’s portrayal of Andre the Giant received critical acclaim. He also played Lash in the TV series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” which was another notable role.
Personal Life
Matthew Willig is married to his wife, Keri, and they have two children together. He is also a big supporter of the USC Trojans football team, and he frequently attends their games. In addition to acting, he is also involved in several charitable organizations, including the NFL Alumni Association and the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.
Conclusion
Matthew Willig’s transition from NFL player to actor is a testament to his versatility and determination. He has proven that he can excel in both sports and acting, and his career continues to thrive. With his towering height and commanding presence, he is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
