Former NFL star finds new life in musical theater

The list of Eddie George’s accomplishments is lengthy and impressive: He won the Heisman Trophy in 1995. The Tennessee Titans drafted him in the first round in 1996. He is one of two running backs to rush 10,000 yards (Jim Brown is the other). He’s played the Super Bowl, scoring two touchdowns.

You’d think the guy would give himself a break.

Not a chance. George teaches, is a financial consultant, and has added acting to his portfolio. He’ll be here through Sunday, April 24, portraying Billy Flynn, the smooth-talking lawyer in the jazz age musical “Chicago,” which Broadway in Tucson is presenting.

He made his Broadway debut with “Chicago” in January, performing eight shows a week. We caught up with him while he was on hiatus before joining the road tour.

Football compared to acting: “There are definitely similarities; they are both entertainment. From the physical standpoint, (acting) isn’t as taxing. But night after night, emotionally, that’s rough, and just one day off a week is even tougher.”

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

His opening night on Broadway: “I was nervous. It would be the first time people would see and hear me in a different way and singing outside the walls of my home. I thought I would make it (to Broadway) one day, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be singing in a musical. My knees were knocking backstage, but once I heard the music, I let it go.”

The Super Bowl versus playing Broadway: “Making it to Broadway is the pinnacle of success; it doesn’t get any better than that as an actor. I’ve been blessed to reach the pinnacle in college (Ohio State University) with the Heisman, in the NFL, the Super Bowl. Now, making it on Broadway is truly amazing and surreal all in the same breath.”

Playing Billy Flynn: “Billy knows who he is — a lawyer, a hustler, prince of the courtroom, silver tongued, quick witted, always looking at the bottom line. He looks at the girls as a dollar sign. He’s a lady’s man, manipulator, charming and conniving. It’s really fun to play a role like that.”

The arts: “The arts have been a gateway for me; a lifeboat. They allowed me to redefine who I was. I found a sense of freedom and that I enjoy telling a story. I owe that to the arts.”