The Athletes Becoming Actors In 2023

It's not unheard of for athletes to transition to acting. After all, we've seen the success that stars like John Cena and Dwayne Johnson have had over the years. However, we'd say that they're probably more of an exception than a rule, with plenty of other athletes failing to replicate their success.

Still, that hasn't stopped some big names from trying their hand at breaking into the entertainment industry in 2023. It seems these guys are looking for something to add to their repertoire, and they believe acting is right up their alley. Is it really right for them, though, or is it time to return to the field?

Karl-Anthony Towns showcased his voice acting skill in Velma

Karl-Anthony Towns has been dedicated to playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves since 2015. Unfortunately, he's been dealing with a lot of injuries lately, something that could potentially affect the future of his playing career. Luckily, he's already started exploring other ventures that may provide work if he has to retire from the NBA sooner than expected. In early 2023, he showcased his acting skills with some voice work on the animated series 'Velma.' While the show itself might have been pretty poorly received, that doesn't necessarily reflect Towns' talent as a performer. Hopefully, if he does decide to explore the entertainment industry more, the negativity around 'Velma' won't hurt his chances.

Tom Brady appeared in '80 for Brady

Despite what some may believe, Tom Brady's retirement this year is for good. The beloved quarterback is ready to bow out of the NFL at 45, and he's already set his sights on potentially becoming an actor. He helped produce the sports comedy movie '80 for Brady,' a film that he also starred in as himself. It was a modest success that received mixed reviews from critics, but as debuts go, it was a good start. The challenge for Brady moving forward - assuming he wants to continue appearing on the big screen - will be playing someone other than himself.

Rob Gronkowski had a cameo in Tom Brady's 2023 film

Tom Brady wasn't the only NFL star to appear in '80 for Brady' earlier this year. Another beloved name from the world of football was also cast in the movie - Rob Gronkowski. His role was much smaller than that of his former Patriots teammate, with Gronk only having a cameo in the film. What's more, he also played himself in '80 for Brady,' something that he's often done when appearing in TV shows and movies. He has had a few acting roles where he's played other characters, though, and 2023 might be the year we start to see more of these talents.

Tony Bellew made his second appearance in the Creed series in 2023

One film that's received quite a positive reception in 2023 is the sports drama movie 'Creed III.' While Michael B. Jordan has attracted most of the attention as both the star and director of the flick, he's far from the only notable cast member. Someone else who appears in 'Creed III' is Tony Bellew, who is best known for being a professional boxer. While he spends most of his time as a sports analyst and commentator, his appearance indicates a potential interest in exploring other avenues. He actually starred in the first 'Creed' movie, too, with his return suggesting that maybe acting could be a real interest for him this year.

Canelo Álvarez debuted on the big screen in Creed III

Given that 'Creed' and its sequels revolve around boxing, it's maybe no surprise the latest movie in the series cast several notable boxers. Canelo Álvarez, who hails from Mexico, is another athlete who showed an interest in acting with 'Creed III.' Like with a lot of the athletes becoming actors in 2023, he appeared in the film as himself and only had a cameo. However, everyone has to start somewhere, right? Canelo has already established himself in the sporting world with multiple world championships across a variety of weight classes. Perhaps now is the time for him to prove his worth in another industry altogether.

Bobby Portis appeared in Sweetwater while still playing basketball professionally

Football and boxing aren't the only sports that have received attention from the acting world in 2023. 'Sweetwater,' released in April, is a biographical sports film that documents the life of Nat Clifton, a notable player in the basketball scene. As with the other movies mentioned here, 'Sweetwater' also pulls in stars with genuine connections to the sport, such as Bobby Portis. Interestingly, he's one of the few athletes showing their acting skills this year who still plays professionally. If things go well with the film, then at least Portis knows he has other opportunities to explore once he retires from basketball.

Plenty of athletes remain dedicated to their chosen sport their entire lives, even once they stop playing professionally. However, some evidently aren't afraid to branch out into other areas and introduce the world to a whole new side of themselves. If that's what these guys plan on doing, they have our full support.