40+ Celebrities Who Had Athletic Careers Before They Became Famous

Published on 03/29/2023
ADVERTISEMENT

2 Chainz – Basketball

2 Chainz rose to prominence as a member of the hip-hop trio Playaz Circle. Their biggest hit as a duo was “Duffle Bag Boy,” which featured Lil Wayne. Others may be unaware that when 2 Chainz went solo in 2012, he achieved success in basketball outside of the music industry. He played basketball at North Clayton High School before attending Alabama State University on a basketball scholarship. He was a member of the team from 1995 to 1997, featuring in 24 of 29 games.

2 Chainz – Basketball

2 Chainz – Basketball

ADVERTISEMENT

Ed O’Neill – Football

Ed O’Neill began playing football while attending Ursuline High School and working. He received a football scholarship to Ohio University, where he revealed to Inside the Actors Studio that he spent more time drinking and playing sports than studying. He went on to play defensive line at Youngstown State University. During his stint at Youngstown, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he did not advance. He attempted a number of jobs before acquiring the current role. His roles in “Married… with Children” and “Modern Family” earned him nominations for a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Ed O’Neill – Football

Ed O’Neill – Football

ADVERTISEMENT