Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Defensive Linemen in Hollywood: Harvey Martin

Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Harvey Martin made his debut in film in The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid (TV Movie)  as Steeler, yes Steeler defensive star "Monster Man"

Technically, though Martin appeared as himself in Black Sunday, a thriller starring Robert Shaw.

In 1987's Amazing Grace and Chuck, he played "Mad Dog" one of the pro athletes who went on strike to try and get an elimination in nuclear weapons.


A couple year later he was in No Safe Haven as football player Harvey Latham, a role in which he had no lines.


His best work, in our view, was as a retired offensive lineman turned television executive who tried to teach his teammate, played by Robert Urich, the ropes in how to transition from the NFL to broadcasting. Urich's character had an affair with his college-aged son's girlfriend instead. The film was The Comeback (TV Movie) and Martin's Character was Eddie Radish.





  Martin's last role was in Steele's Law as a police chief. (Not stills as of yet)

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Defensive Linemen in Movies: Doug Atkins

This one really doesn't count, but we add it in anyway for completeness. In the film Number One the NFL allowed the use of NFL logos, NFL film and players. Doug Atkins played himself. He did have a short line, talking to the trainer who was taping his ankles.

One thing to remember, Atkins didn't lift weights and it is amazing given the size of his biceps.



In 1975 Atkins had a role in Charles Bronson's Breakheart Pass as a character named Jebbo. Joe Kapp also had a role in that film. 


Monday, March 9, 2015

Defensive Linemen and Hollywood: Lyle Alzado

It was easy to see that Lyle Alzado was a big personality and that a move from football to Hollywood was a natural fit. He had a lengthy resume which can bee seen HERE:

Alzado's first film was in the kid's film The Double McGuffin where he played an assassin alongwith fellow NFL defensive linemen Ed Jones. He had several small roles through 1985 when he was still in the NFL.

In 1986 he starred in Oceans of Fire, as a team member meant to save oil rigs from underwater fires.
Oceans of Fire:
The next year he played "Iron Butt" in the TV series The Highwayman:
The Highwayman:
Alzado's biggest film is now a cult classic called Destroyer. He plays a man who survived the electic chair and took revenge on the world.
Destroyer:

He landed a role as a teacher in Learning the Ropes a syndicated television show.
Learning the Ropes:

 
Who's Harry Crumb? Was yet another role.

Earnest Goes to Camp:
Hangfire:

Comrades in Arms:
 
Neon City:

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Defensive Linemen in the Movies: Ed Jones

Ed Jones played only a few films, essentially cameos. In 1979 he was in The Double Mcguffin. Also, was an opposing player in Semi-Tough and in Necessary Roughness he played a convict who was on the prison football team brought in to scrimmage the local university.
In 2015 he had a bit role in The Wedding Ringer as well.

The Double Mcguffin:


Semi-Tough:


Necessary Roughness:

Jones is the defensive end nearest to camera
The Wedding Ringer: