Raiders, football world mourn loss of Carl Weathers: ‘Missed dearly’

Carl Weathers’ death was felt throughout the world, and that included the football community.

Weathers, 76, died in his sleep Thursday, his family said in a statement Friday.

While he might have been most known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise and Derick “Chubbs” Peterson in the golf comedy “Happy Gilmore,” Weathers was a pro athlete before he became an icon on the silver screen.

Weathers, who was a multi-sport athlete in his youth at Long Beach Poly High School, first played college football at Long Beach City College and then at San Diego State University under Don Coryell, helping the Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl en route to an 11-0 finish as a defensive end.

He then went on to sign with the Raiders as an undrafted free against in 1970, playing in seven games as a linebacker, helping get them to the AFC Championship game that year.

He became a strong safety in 1971, playing in one game with Oakland before his release.

Actor Carl Weathers (right), of "Rocky" fame who was also a former Oakland Raiders player, visits with head coach Bill Callahan and owner Al Davis during practice at the team's summer training camp in Napa, Calif., July 31, 2003. — Actor Carl Weathers (right), of “Rocky” fame who was also a former Raiders player, visits with head coach
Bill Callahan and owner Al Davis during practice at the team’s summer training camp in 2003. AP

The team released a statement Friday following the beloved actor’s death.

“The Raiders Family is mourning the loss of Carl Weathers, who passed away Thursday,” the team said. “Weathers played two seasons with the Silver and Black before embarking on a successful acting career that spanned five decades, famously depicting boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise among many other unforgettable roles. Always a proud Raider, Weathers will be missed dearly by his Raiders Family and his many fans worldwide.

“Our deepest condolences are with the Weathers family at this time.”

He then joined the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, playing in 18 games between 1971-73 — and recording a fumble recovery — before retiring from football in 1974.

“Our thoughts are with family & friends of Carl Weathers, former #BCLions Linebacker & beloved Rocky character, Apollo Creed. RIP, Legend,” the Lions wrote on X.