Terry Crews used his role in The Longest Yard as personal revenge against the NFL after being released from several American football teams. After turning to acting, his appearance in White Chicks attracted Adam Sandler’s attention and helped him secure the part of Cheeseburger Eddie in the 2005 sports comedy.

Crews had played for teams including the Green Bay Packers, LA Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins, but never established himself in the sport. The Longest Yard earned $191 million worldwide against an $82 million budget, helping launch a screen career that later included his award-winning role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.