Carl Weathers, a former NFL player, actor, and director, peacefully died in his sleep on Feb. 1, 2024, at age 76. He was a true icon not only in the entertainment world—starring in the movie series “Rocky” and other movies and tv shows—but also as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders. Not only was Carl Weathers an icon to the world but also to his own family, including his close friends, children, and grandchildren.
Carl was born on Jan. 14, 1948 to David and Lucille Weathers. Lucille raised Carl as a single mother, although Carl acknowledged his fathers impact on his life through his work ethic and resilience. Carl believed that you can lose everything else, but family sticks by you through it all. These morals and values that were instilled in Carl at a young age allowed him to become the raging success he did in his adult years including his impressive football and acting careers.
Carl always had a love for sports growing up and made an effort to try any sport he could. Carl participated in boxing, football, gymnastics, judo, soccer, and even wrestling. But, his love for football stood above all the rest leading him to play for San Diego State University as a linebacker. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders in 1970 and played two seasons with the NFL. In his first season he played an important role in leading the team to winning the AFC Championship game under the legendary coach John Madden. In his second season, he made a switch to safety only playing one game before he was released from the team at the end of the 1971 season.
After, Carl Weather made a very big change in his life moving away from football and toward the entertainment industry. He landed some very iconic roles playing Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movie series, CIA Agent George Dillon in “The Predator” and even Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian.” Kaden Green, a sophomore at Morris Hills, reflected on Carl Weathers role as Apollo Creed, “You could argue that Carl Weathers performance in the Rocky franchise alone is enough to call him a top tier actor. He truly brought the character to life”. Weathers also won the best male vocal performance award at “Behind The Actor’s Awards” for his role in a Toy Story thriller during the year 2013. Dr. Toriello expressed his respect and admiration for the actor saying, “Carl Weathers was not only a talented actor but also a significant figure in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies left an indelible mark on cinema history. “Rocky” is one of my all-time favorite movies, and his performance in it will always be remembered fondly.” Dr. Toriello goes even further expressing how many of Weathers’s quotes have inspired him throughout the years. One of his favorite quotes is, “There is no tomorrow! THERE IS NO TOMORROW! THERE IS NO TOMORROW!”
Weathers impacted not only the entertainment industry but also the entire world throughout his many achievements. He will always be remembered by his fans and family as a true legend, someone who works hard for what they have and never gives up. Although his sudden passing has left everyone speechless, we all know he will always be remembered for his determination and his life well lived.