Comparing 24 of the NFL's Running Backs to Hollywood's Leading Men

Surprisingly, NFL running backs and Hollywood actors have quite a bit in common.

Both earn boatloads of money with a small percentage being overpaid. They can either lead a team/movie or be a supporting actor/player. It also isn't very difficult for them to land chicks who are way more attractive than they could land if they weren't famous.

Today we will compare the NFL's running backs to Hollywood's leading men. We won't look at all the NFL running backs, just 24 who compare favorably to men of Hollywood.

Adrian Peterson: Daniel Day-Lewis

This might seem like a stretch, but once I explain how I came to this conclusion, it should all make sense.

In my opinion, Daniel Day-Lewis is the best actor in Hollywood. He may not be in the most movies, but the movies he is in, he is outstanding.

Similarly, Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL. He may not get the most carries, but when he does run the ball, he is the best there is.

See, I told you it would make sense.

Jamaal Charles: Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is a great actor, but he doesn't do as many movies as some other big-name actors. He is used for a specific purpose: to do the best job possible.

That is why Jamaal Charles is so similar to Leo. Charles isn't used as often as he could be, but when he is used, he does a fantastic job.

Plus, I also heard that Charles will get on top of the goal post and yell, "I'm king of the world!"

Chris Johnson: Tom Cruise

When was the last time you saw a movie with Tom Cruise where he wasn't running? He loves to run, and my understanding is he is actually rather quick.

There isn't a faster running back in the NFL than Chris Johnson, which is why he compares so favorably to Tom Cruise.

I just hope Johnson doesn't fall in love and do this anytime soon.

Arian Foster: Robert Pattinson

Before Twighlight, did anyone know who Robert Pattinson was?

Before last season, did anyone know who Arian Foster was?

Catch my drift?

Ray Rice: Will Smith

When thinking about a dual-threat actor, one who can not only act, but also sing, the first name that always comes to mind is Will Smith.

As far as dual-threat running backs go, Ray Rice appears to be the best in the league today. He is just as dangerous as a receiver as he is as a running back. His small stature allows him to slip away from defenders and make plays all over the field.

I also heard he doesn't cuss when he raps, which we all know is what Will Smith does.

LeSean McCoy: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Even though Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been acting since 3rd Rock from the Sun many, many years ago, it seems he is just now starting to break out.

I understand LeSean McCoy is only entering his third year in the NFL, but it appears as if he is ready for a huge season. Some might consider this season to be a breakout season for McCoy.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

Matt Forte: Christian Bale

Christian Bale can cover a wide range of roles. He can be a tough guy like he was in The Dark Knight, or he can put together an emotional role like he did in The Fighter. His range is so wide you might even consider calling him a jack of all trades.

Last year, Matt Forte was the focal piece of the Chicago Bears' offense. He struggled running the ball at times, but still managed to gain more than 1,000 yards on the ground. Forte was just as valuable through the air. 

He was a master of none, but a jack of all trades.

Steven Jackson: Samuel L. Jackson

There was a time not too long ago in which Samuel L. Jackson seemed like he made an appearance in every movie made. It was become so annoying that I stopped going to see movies so I wouldn't have to see Jackson make a three-minute cameo that served no purpose at all.

Just like Samuel L. Jackson was everywhere in the movie world, Steven Jackson has been everywhere for the St. Louis Rams' offense. For the longest time he seemed to be a part of every play the Rams would run. Thankfully for him, Sam Bradford appears to be the real deal, so Steven will be able to take some plays off.

Did you hear that, Samuel L. Jackson? Take some movies off.

Shonn Greene: Giovanni Ribisi

Don't know who Giovanni Ribisi is?

Don't worry, neither will 80 percent of the people who read this slideshow.

Ribisi has been in big-name movies like Gone in 60 Seconds and Avatar.

Shonn Greene is relatively unknown by most, but is a quality player. He was in the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson last year, but should finally get some lead action this year. 

Reggie Bush: Brad Pitt

Both Brad Pitt and Reggie Bush are extremely well-known in their respective careers as an actor and running back.

However, both might be better known for the women whom they have dated/married.

Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston before Angelina Jolie, while Reggie Bush gained more publicity for dating Kim Kardashian than anything he did on the football field.

Not a bad track record if you ask me.

Frank Gore: Tom Hanks

As a personal favorite of mine, I couldn't leave Tom Hanks off this list.

With that said, it was extremely difficult to find a running back comparable to Hanks. He is such a well-rounded actor who has been so good for so long, there wasn't much to choose from in the NFL.

That was the case until I remembered Frank Gore. Even though Gore has struggled with injuries, he has still been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL since he came into the league in 2005.

I know it is a stretch, but you need to understand that Tom Hanks needed to be on the list. Please just nod your head and click to the next slide already. 

Marshawn Lynch: Hugh Jackman

There is only one word to describe Marshawn Lynch and Hugh Jackman: Beast-mode.

That's right. They both have it and aren't afraid to use it.

Joseph Addai: Javed Jaffrey

For those of you uneducated ones who don't know who Javed Jaffrey is, he has been in such outstanding movies as Daddy Cool and Roadside Romeo.

If you still don't know who Jaffery is, all you need to know is he is considered the most injury-prone actor in the world.

This is why he is the perfect counterpart to Joseph Addai, who always appears to be injured. Jaffrey could also be compared to Bob Sanders, Steve Smith or Reggie Bush. 

Mark Ingram: Zac Efron

This one is pretty simple.

Zac Efron is a newcomer to Hollywood, and Mark Ingram is a newcomer to the NFL.

DeAngelo Williams: Keanu Reeves

Can you even remember the last good movie Keanu Reeves made? I seriously think that it was The Matrix, which came out in 1999.

The crazy thing about Reeves is that people pay him so much money to be in their movies.

When the Carolina Panthers signed DeAngelo Williams to a gigantic contract once free agency began, everyone was a little shocked. Most would say the Panthers overpaid for him.

Both Reeves and Williams are not worth what they make and will most likely never live up to their outrageous salaries.

LeGarrette Blount: Jonah Hill

To put it nicely, both LeGarrette Blount and Jonah Hill are big-boned.

They are both very good at what they do, even in their "oversized" state. I would love to watch Jonah Hill play football, as it would most likely be the most hilarious thing ever.

However, I wouldn't want to watch LeGarrette Blount act because he would probably just get angry and punch someone.

On second thought, I would really enjoy watching Blount punch some people.

Jahvid Best: Jet Li

Jahvid Best isn't known for his size. Rather, he is known for being quick and sneaky, and he uses those advantages to be a major hassle to tackle on the football field.

Being quick and sneaky is what made Jet Li famous, not to mention his outstanding kung fu talents. In movies, and probably in real life also, Li would take on hoards of enemies and always come out on top.

I'm sure the Detroit Lions are hoping Best can take on hoards of tacklers and come out on top.

Actually, the Lions are probably just hoping Best can stay healthy.

Cedric Benson: Mel Gibson

There was so much potential for both these men.

Mel Gibson was starting to make a comeback in Hollywood. Cedric Benson was starting to finally live up to the expectations of being such a high draft pick.

Unfortunately, the law got in the way of both Gibson and Benson, and their careers will never be the same.

LaDainian Tomlinson: George Clooney

If I could only use 10 words to describe George Clooney, they would be: old actor who is still good, but not much longer.

Coincidentally, those are the same words I would use to describe LaDainian Tomlinson, except instead of actor, I would say running back.

Of course, that would mean I was using 11 words to describe Tomlinson, which ultimately makes a difference, and now I'm having second doubts about comparing these two.

And now I have a headache from thinking that through too much.

Ricky Williams: Matthew McConaughey

I'll keep this short and sweet.

Both Ricky Williams and Matthew McConaughey like herbal remedies. Both also suffer from a terrible case of the munchies.

Peyton Hillis: The Rock

Raise your hand if you would like to stand in front of Peyton Hillis or The Rock as they run at full speed toward you.

No takers?

Didn't think so.

Darren McFadden: Vin Diesel

After The Fast and the Furious, every man wanted to be Vin Diesel. He was one bad dude.

Darren McFadden was a disappointing player until last year when he had a breakout campaign for the Oakland Raiders. He finally showed how explosive and powerful of a running back he could be.

Hopefully McFadden continues to become what everyone expected him to be out of college and isn't just a one-year wonder.

If he turns out to have just one good season, he would actually have even more in common with Diesel, who I'm pretty sure has only had one good movie.

Ryan Grant: Morgan Freeman

Does anyone remember the last movie Morgan Freeman was the lead actor in? He isn't the type to be the main star, but he is a very good complementary piece.

As much as I hate to say this, the same could be said for Ryan Grant. He certainly can't carry a team on his own, but he is a necessary piece of the puzzle to build a winning team.

Plus, I hear Grant does awesome voice-overs for Disney movies.

Maurice Jones-Drew: Mark Wahlberg

Lets run through a quick check list on these two men.

Short? Check.

Powerful? Check.

Would rather get hit by a wrecking ball than by them? Absolutely.

I think I made my point.