‘I Was a Great Football Player’- Guardians of the Galaxy Star Chris Pratt Who Was Spotted Wearing the Dodgers Jersey Once Explained How Sports Helped Him More Than Acting

One of Hollywood’s most famous wrestlers turned actor, recently made the cover of the Vanity Fair Magazine. In this exclusive with Vanity Fair, Chris revealed information on how sports have helped him a lot during his life. Before captivating audiences on the big screen, Pratt was a multi-talented athlete, excelling in wrestling, football, and track during his high school years. His passion for sports and the invaluable lessons he learned became instrumental in shaping his success in the entertainment industry.

A High School Sports Phenom

Chris Pratt’s high school years at Lake Stevens were a showcase of athletic prowess and academic excellence. As a wrestler, he donned the singlet for 12 years, displaying grit and determination on the mat. His senior year culminated with an impressive 5th place at the Washington State tournament at 215 lbs, a testament to the stellar coaching he received from the legendary Brent Barnes.

In addition to wrestling, Pratt thrived as a football player, proving himself as a formidable fullback and inside linebacker. Although he humbly admitted that his lack of speed prevented him from pursuing college football, his love for the game remained unparalleled. Pratt’s sportsmanship extended to the track, where he demonstrated his speed and agility.

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Talking about his Football skills, Pratt said “I was a great football player,  I was a great football player. I was a fullback and an inside linebacker. I never had the speed to play college. But I loved it. I don’t think anything will ever take its place. The competition, the team. You get a little bit of that in acting. You get it with action films. You have to train, be in shape. I think I learned more about how to handle myself as an actor playing sports than I ever did in theater.”

Amidst his athletic achievements, Pratt maintained an impressive 3.66 GPA, showcasing his commitment to both academics and sports. His peers recognized his sense of humor and voted him as the class clown, demonstrating his ability to balance competitiveness with levity.

From Wrestling Mat to Hollywood Stardom

Chris Pratt’s life took an unexpected turn when he ventured into acting after a brief stint at community college. His breakthrough role as Andy Dwyer in Parks & Recreation brought him recognition, but it was his portrayal of Star-Lord in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy that catapulted him to global fame.

Despite his Hollywood success, Pratt’s wrestling background continued to influence his approach to acting. He often reminisces about the valuable life lessons he learned on the wrestling mat, emphasizing the importance of discipline, determination, and teamwork. The physical demands of wrestling also prepared him for the drastic body transformations required for various acting roles.

In 2011, Pratt paid tribute to his roots by creating the wrestling documentary “On the Mat,” showcasing the grueling journey of the Lake Stevens High School wrestling team. The documentary’s success at the Tribeca Film Festival underscored the enduring impact of Pratt’s wrestling experiences on his life and career.

Today, as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars with a net worth exceeding $60 million, Chris Pratt remains grounded, never forgetting his athletic origins. He continues to champion the sport of wrestling and generously gives back to the community that shaped him.

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