Ahmad Rashad: Professional Football Player
Ahmad Rashad is an American sportscaster, actor, and former professional football player. He is best remembered for his 11-year career in the National Football League (NFL). He was a four-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Rashad is also noted for his marriage to entertainer Phylicia Ayers-Allen, and his work as a sportscaster.
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Early Life and Career
Ahmad Rashad was born Bobby Moore in Portland, Oregon on November 19, 1949. He was raised primarily by his father, who was a pastor and funeral director, along with his stepmother. As a young man, Rashad excelled in track and field and was a highly sought-after football recruit. He attended Oregon State University, where he played football for the school’s team. During his college career, he was an All-American wide receiver and punt returner.
Professional Football Career
In 1972, Rashad was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals for two years, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl in his second season. In 1974, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he played for two seasons. In 1976, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he would play for the remainder of his career.
Rashad was an instant success with the Seahawks, earning Pro Bowl honors in his first year with the team. He would continue to be a standout player for the remainder of his tenure in Seattle. In his 11-year career, he had 4,950 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. He was also a reliable kickoff returner, with 1,093 career kickoff return yards. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and earned All-Pro honors four times.
In 1988, Rashad was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is one of the few players to have been inducted while still active in the NFL.
Post-Playing Career
In 1989, Rashad retired from the NFL and began a career in broadcasting. He was a color commentator for NBC’s NFL broadcasts, and also served as an analyst for the NBA on NBC. He later went on to become a correspondent for Inside the NBA on TNT, and a co-host of NBA Inside Stuff. From 2005-2013, he was a correspondent for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO.
Rashad has also had success as an actor. He appeared in the television series The Cosby Show, A Different World, and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, among others. He was also the host of the game show, Pyramid.
Personal Life
Rashad has been married four times. His first marriage was to Matilda Johnson in 1975, with whom he had four children. He was later married to Sale Johnson from 1986-1989, and actress Phylicia Ayers-Allen (best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show) from 1985-2001. He is currently married to his fourth wife, Sale Johnson.
Notable Achievements
Ahmad Rashad has had a long and distinguished career in both the NFL and in broadcasting. Here are some of his most notable achievements:
Football Career
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1988
- All-Pro: Four-time selection (1976-1979)
- Pro Bowl: Four-time selection (1976-1979)
- Receiving Yards: 4,950 yards in 11-year career
- Touchdowns: 39 touchdowns in 11-year career
- Kickoff Return Yards: 1,093 yards in 11-year career
Broadcasting Career
- NBC NFL Commentator: 1989-1993
- NBA on NBC Analyst: 1989-2002
- Inside the NBA Correspondent: 2002-2005
- Real Sports Correspondent: 2005-2013
- Pyramid Host: 2002-2004
Legacy
Ahmad Rashad is one of the most successful athletes in NFL history. His accomplishments on the field were impressive, as he was a four-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. He was also the first player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while still active in the NFL.
Off the field, Rashad has been successful as an actor and broadcaster. He has been a correspondent for several major networks, and has had success as the host of the game show, Pyramid.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rashad is also remembered for his marriage to entertainer Phylicia Ayers-Allen. The couple had one child together before divorcing in 2001.
Conclusion
Ahmad Rashad is one of the most accomplished athletes in NFL history. He had a successful 11-year career, earning four Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro selections. He was also the first player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while still active in the NFL.
Off the field, Rashad has been successful as an actor and broadcaster. He has had memorable roles on numerous television series, and has been a correspondent for several major networks. He is also remembered for his marriage to entertainer Phylicia Ayers-Allen.
Rashad’s legacy is one of excellence and success. He is one of the few players to have achieved such a high level of success both on and off the field. His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication.