NFL Star Stuns Fans By Revealing Secret Past As Martial Arts Movie Actor
By 813 Staff
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense was in the middle of a red-zone stand late in the fourth quarter when the momentum abruptly shifted. That sideline sidestep and the subsequent stiff-arm—it wasn’t a play, it was a throwback. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, via his personal account @RapSheet, posted a tribute that had the entire league’s personnel department buzzing Tuesday morning: “Incredible actor. Will always be Ray Jackson from *Bloodsport* for me.” That tweet isn’t a movie review. League sources confirm Rapoport was referring to a recently concluded free-agent visit, and those close to the situation say the connection is far from coincidental.
The player in question is veteran defensive end Ray Jackson Jr., who worked out for the Bucs’ front office last week. Those who know how coach Todd Bowles likes to build a pass rush note that Jackson brings the exact kind of relentless, old-school motor that fits this scheme—the same traits his father, Ray Jackson Sr., played with during his own NFL career. The elder Jackson was a journeyman edge rusher in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and yes, he also had a brief, uncredited role as an extra in the 1988 martial arts classic *Bloodsport*. The front office has been quietly exploring veteran depth at defensive end since the draft, and while no deal is imminent, sources say Jackson left the facility without a contract but with a strong impression.
Why this matters for Tampa Bay: The Bucs are thin behind starters YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Jackson, a 30-year-old who logged 5.5 sacks with the Commanders last season, isn’t a star, but he’s a reliable rotational piece who could push for snaps on obvious passing downs. The front office has been disciplined with cap space this spring, waiting for the market to settle before adding veterans on affordable one-year deals. Jackson fits that profile.
What happens next is uncertain. Rapoport’s tweet, while personal, signals that Jackson’s name is in the league-wide conversation. The Bucs have no immediate deadline to sign him, but if another team’s pass-rush needy coordinator watches that *Bloodsport* clip and remembers the name, the bidding could quietly open up. Expect Tampa’s personnel staff to circle back with a decision by the end of the week. For now, the Bucs are still in the hunt—and the old man’s movie cameo might just land his son a job.
