Athletes Go Hollywood: Jim Brown and the Top 10 Movie Appearances by an Athlete

Having an athlete make an appearance in a film does nothing more for the movie than surprise the audience with a comforting familiarity.

Sports is the one entity that binds people of all types together and placing an athlete in an otherwise mediocre movie can spark up the attention span if necessary.

From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Mike Ditka, athletes in all sports have ubiquitously enjoyed making cameos.

These athletes continue to enlighten the audience with their masterful talents off the playing field. Each appearance attempts to delicately coat the film with the adept acting prowess of the the athlete...or maybe not.

While they may not be award-winning material, these athletes have perhaps single-handedly made their scenes hilarious.

These top 10 most comical acting performances will always be tied to these movies.

Enjoy.

10. Naked Juice

While his personal and legal issues are omnipresent and well-known, his appearances in The Naked Gun trilogy as detective Nordberg are still epic.

Leslie Nielsen is a genius, that much needs to be reiterated.

9. Soft Rock

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has slowly been working his way to becoming an established actor.

While it hasn't worked out too well, starring in mediocre family films, he is still adding to his resume.

In Be Cool, the Rock is a gay man trying to make it in acting.

Sounds like the story of his real life.

8. Jim Brown Makes It Simple

"We made it real simple for you."

It's baffling why the Sharks never dominated in Any Given Sunday with Lawrence Taylor leading the linebacking corps, Terrell Owens at wide receiver, Jim Brown as assistant coach and, of course, Dennis Quaid at quarterback.

Brown, arguably the best running back ever, lights up the stage with this speech.

You're still the man Jim Brown.

7. Alex Karras Parks Where He Wants

Former NFL player Alex Karras plays the role of Mongo well.

He can park where he wants and has all eyes on him when he enters the town.

Hilarious movie with a comical role.

Perfect for the former Lion's defensive tackle and pro wrestler.

6. LT Being a Role Model...for Once

For all young athletes reading this..."don't smoke crack."

The real LT makes his appearance in The Waterboy by introducing the players at his camp to Bobby Boucher.

He is less than pleased with Boucher's stuttered responses.

Taylor trying to rebuild his image in this film.

5. Mike Ditka Is No Juicebox Guy

Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka makes a guest appearance in Kicking and Screaming as the assistant coach of a mediocre soccer team aching for guidance and talent.

With Ferrell and Ditka leading this squad, things can only get better.

Ditka needs to be in more movies.

But don't ask him to get a juice box.

4. Kick His Ass Sea Bass

NHL forward Cam Neely makes a burly appearance in this ridiculous comedy.

Still a classic movie, Harry gets a nice spit from Sea Bass on his hamburger.

Somehow this setting doesn't seem so far-fetched from Cam Neely's real life.

3. Major League Comic

Not only is Bob Eucker's announcing unique, but he also loves the occasional Scotch when the Indians are facing their losing ways.

He has become the voice behind the Major League movies.

2. Iron Mike Sings

This is an epic scene in a classic movie.

I can only imagine how Zach Galifianakis felt after that punch.

It's debatable if his singing is as fluid as his punching.

Stick to boxing Mike.

1. Clearance, Clarence

Abdul-Jabbar takes a riveting performance in Airplane! to the next level.

"Roger." "HUH?!"

"What's your clearance, Clarence?"

This movie never gets old and surely gets the No. 1 spot on this list.

And don't call me Shirley.