The worlds of football and films have intersected for many years. While it is rare to witness the two come together, fans were thrilled by the story of Burt Reynolds.
This late American actor, who reigned as the number one box office star for five years starting in 1978, actually transitioned from being a sportsman to an actor.
Here's everything you need to know about the impressive journey of the actor from The Longest Yard.
Hailing from a Cherokee and Italian descent, Burt Reynolds was born into a family run headed his mother and sister while his father served with the US Army.
During his time at a high school in Florida when Burt lettered in football and track. The head coach at Florida State University (FSU) offered him a scholarship.
From there, he was trained by his football coach, Lee Corso, who helped him earn accolades by the end of his freshman year.
But for Burt, it wasn't a happy ending with football just yet. A torn cartilage injury in his right knee in 1955 during workouts dampened his spirit to continue playing. However, Reynolds was hit by a series of misfortunes and was involved in an unfortunate road accident two months later that left him critically injured.
After Burt lost a few games due to his injury, he soon realized football was no longer his cup of tea. And it was this realization that finally led him to knock on the doors of Hollywood.
An unexpected win at the drama awards in junior college earned Burt a scholarship to Hyde Park Playhouse, a theater in New York City. He saw it as a perfect escape from a physically demanding summer job and enrolled at the theater, but with no intention to make a career in acting.
After a few stage shows, a Broadway debut, and acting classes, Burt's acting skills did not go unnoticed by the casting agents and directors.
It was in the late 1950s, Burt made his television acting debut with guest appearances on shows like The Lawless Years, Pony Express and more.
With a couple of hit shows over the years, the actor continued to deliver cinematic hits with Shark, Armored Command, 100 Rifles, Deliverance, Shamus and so many others.
The rest is history-Burt Reynolds stood the test of time with his strong performances through the 1980s.
Even amid unexpected controversies, including the infamous Marlon Brando fiasco, his success paved the way for sportsmen aspiring to become part of Hollywood.
The actor passed away on September 6, 2018. His works and successes remain symbolic of a lasting legacy.