Kevin Costner, the acclaimed actor known for his iconic roles both on and off the sports field, recently shared insights into his unique approach to directing and how his NFL experience has influenced him with Michael Strahan.
During a candid chat with Strahan, Costner reflected on his time portraying an NFL general manager for the Cleveland Browns in the film ‘Draft Day’, as well as his deep passion for football.
Costner revealed an unexpected similarity between directing actors and coaching football players. He explained, “I direct like a coach, I do. I get my actors and sometimes when you’re talking to actors and dumb actors. You know, they’re nervous and have nowhere to go.
“So I’m talking to you right. They’re giving me a bunch of chin-boogies cause I’m talking, because the f**er doesn’t know what I’m saying. He’s so nervous. I’ve seen things go wrong.”
His hands-on style includes breaking down scenes with patience and clarity. “So when I say that I direct like a coach, I sometimes do the chalk board. And I get down on my a* and say, ‘listen f***er, you’re supposed to be here. Okay? When you see the car, don’t chin-boogie me. Do you see the car?” Costner added.
“That’s when you go. Okay? When you see the car, that’s when you go.’ And I have found out, that the chalk board has really helped me.”
Bringing authenticity to the role
Costner’s involvement in ‘Draft Day’ was far from a casual acting gig. He immersed himself in the world of NFL management to accurately portray Sonny Weaver Jr., the fictional Browns general manager. Understanding the intricacies of football operations was essential to his performance.
To achieve this, Costner connected with actual NFL general managers, gaining first-hand knowledge of the sport’s front-office dynamics. He spent time with Les Snead, then general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, who offered insights into personnel decisions, scouting, and team-building in the wake of the Rams’ move to Los Angeles.
Costner also reached out to Ray Farmer, the Cleveland Browns’ general manager at the time, to better understand the pressures of managing a team in a city desperate for success. This hands-on research informed Costner’s portrayal and gave him an authentic perspective on leadership and decision-making.
Reflecting on these experiences, Costner told ESPN, “I talked with the Rams and Cleveland GMs… if there was a moment I didn’t understand, I would’ve sought them out. I understand the game, and desperation.” His dedication to understanding the role underscores how seriously he approaches his craft-and how closely it aligns with his directing and coaching philosophy.
Could Kevin Costner really coach in the NFL?
While the idea of a Hollywood star like Kevin Costner becoming an NFL coach might seem far-fetched, public figures from outside traditional sports have occasionally pursued roles within athletic organizations.
Costner’s familiarity with football management through his film work, combined with his charisma and high profile, could position him uniquely should he ever choose to explore this path.
Costner’s remarks were nothing more than playful speculation, but they have captured the imagination of football fans and industry insiders alike. Many are curious to see if this Hollywood icon might one day transition from the movie set to the football sidelines – much to the delight of Michael Strahan and NFL enthusiasts everywhere.
For now, Costner continues to excel in his film career while keeping fans guessing about what the future might hold in football.
Read the full article here
