“Rest in Peace”: Football World Joins O.J. Simpson in Mourning 76-Year-Old “Apollo Creed” Actor’s Passing

The world of sports and entertainment was shaken on February 1, 2024, as the news confirmed the passing of the former NFL linebacker and beloved actor, Carl Weathers. Amidst the outpouring of grief from the football community, former NFL running back O J Simpson, shared his condolence for the famous Apollo Creed actor, who passed away at 76.

The indomitable spirit of Weathers captured millions of hearts through his journey that seamlessly blended the two different worlds of athleticism and artistry. 

Simpson reflects on his connection with Weathers

Deeply moved by the loss, Simpson took to Twitter to share his poignant reflections on his encounters with Weathers with the caption “Rest in Peace”. The running back got emotional while recounting his first meetup with Weathers when the legend was part of the Raiders’ squad. Simpson gave a glimpse of the memorable encounter,  “You know, I first met Carl on the football field, I think as a rookie, and we were playing in Oakland and I was doing warm-ups and he ran up to me, I guess he’s playing linebacker for the Raiders at the time, trying to make the team and he told me, you know, introduce himself. He told me he was an actor.”

Back in time, after getting undrafted after his college football days at San Diego State University, Weathers entered the NFL scene debuting as a linebacker for the Raiders. During his tenure between 1970 and 1971, he propelled the program to the AFC West Division title. Interestingly, Weathers appeared in the inaugural AFC Championship Game in 1970 under the mentorship of legendary John Madden. Besides the NFL, he explored his opportunities in the Canadian Football League before making his way to Hollywood. 

Weathers ensured to leave a strong legacy in the world of entertainment similar to his remarkable journey in professional football. Transitioning from the gridiron to the silver screen, he emerged as a household name with his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed, in the first four Rocky movies.

Gradually, Weathers started to work on his presence in front of the camera and succeeded in giving birth to an on-screen charisma. With this, he paved the way for a diverse acting career and landed noteworthy roles in films like “Predator” and “Happy Gilmore”. Among his recent stints was the popular series “The Mandalorian”. 

Fans unite in heartfelt tributes to Weathers

Acknowledging the depth of emotion encapsulated in Simpson’s words, a fan remarked, “A cutting tribute to a legend. Thanks OJ!” Another fan highlighted the profound influence that Weathers had on generations through his iconic performance in cinema, “We lost a legend, I grew up on his movies”.

The sentiment of loss continued in another follower’s comment, “Well said OJ. Carl will be missed!”

Emphasizing the void that Weathers left made one fan comment, “Great talent. Great loss.”

Read More: “Hoping That They Would Play Each Other”: NFL Legend O.J. Simpson Draws Up His Dream Super Bowl Matchup

A fan expressed his longing for a moment frozen in time, “What I wouldn’t give to have taken a pic of you two together on the football field!!! RIP Carl”.

The diverse and heartfelt reactions serve as a testament to Carl Weather’s profound impact on fans, both on and off-screen. With this, from humble beginnings on the football field to conquering a significant position in Hollywood, his legacy remains etched in both sports and entertainment history. 

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