HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Director Matthew A. Cherry and producer Karen Rupert Toliver, winners of the Animated Short Film award for “Hair Love,” pose in the press room during the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Former NFL WR Matthew Cherry's 'Hair Love' Wins Oscar for Best Animated Short

Scott PolacekFeb 9, 2020

Former NFL wide receiver Matthew Cherry won an Oscar for his role in the animated short Hair Love on Sunday.

Cherry wrote and directed the film, helping produce it alongside Karen Rupert Toliver.

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report3d

Bleacher Report5d

Bleacher Report3d

Cherry later took to social media to share what was supposed to be his full acceptance speech:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted Cherry played collegiately at Akron but was undrafted in 2004. He spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens.

He notably dedicated the Oscar to the late Kobe Bryant at the end of his speech. The Los Angeles Lakers great also won an Oscar in the best animated short category for his role in Dear Basketball.

Bryant won his Oscar in 2018.