{"id":186407,"date":"2026-02-20T19:01:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T19:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/186407\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T19:01:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T19:01:08","slug":"actor-terry-crews-inspires-titans-to-go-all-in-on-their-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/186407\/","title":{"rendered":"Actor Terry Crews Inspires Titans to Go All in on Their Dreams"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"TerryActor and former NFL player Terry Crews (Courtesy of Associated Students Inc.)\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n

Over the course of his career, Terry Crews competed in the NFL, solved countless fictional crimes with the cast of \u201cBrooklyn Nine-Nine\u201d and shared laughs with rising stars on the set of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Got Talent.\u201d All of these experiences shared a common theme in his life \u2014 they taught him the importance of staying true to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ever compare yourself to anyone,\u201d said Crews to a full house of Cal State Fullerton faculty, staff and students. \u201cThere\u2019s only one me, and there\u2019s only one you. The world needs what you have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crews spoke to the Titan community as part of the university\u2019s signature Beyond the Conversation<\/a> series, which invites notable speakers to campus to share their stories and empower students. The Feb. 12 event was presented by Associated Students Inc.<\/a> and the Division of Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management.<\/p>\n

Growing up in Michigan, Crews played football and was eventually signed by the Los Angeles Rams, but throughout his childhood and young adult life, he always considered himself a \u201cdreamer\u201d with a love for film and art.<\/p>\n

After retiring from professional football, he followed his passion for creativity to Hollywood, where he laid the foundation for a successful career in film and television.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Today, he is best known for his roles as Terry Jeffords in \u201cBrooklyn Nine-Nine,\u201d Julius Rock in \u201cEverybody Hates Chris\u201d and the host of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Got Talent.\u201d He also appeared in the popular film \u201cWhite Chicks,\u201d noting how the film changed his entire career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know acting would be my destiny, but by going for it and trying, my career became what it is now,\u201d said Crews. \u201cAnd I\u2019m just getting started.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Crews emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with people who prioritize growth, care and kindness. He found such a community on the set of the award-winning sitcom \u201cBrooklyn Nine-Nine,\u201d where he worked alongside talented actors like past Beyond the Conversation star Stephanie Beatriz<\/a> and Andre Braugher.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could try a joke, and if it didn\u2019t work, that was OK. Everybody would adjust and try something different. We loved and supported each other,\u201d shared Crews. \u201cIt\u2019s important to learn not to be embarrassed if things don\u2019t work out the way you hoped.\u201d<\/p>\n

He encouraged current students to make the most of their college experience and to be courageous when it comes to their dreams: \u201cYou have more opportunities than ever, but you have to take hold of what you want. You have to give everything you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TerryActor and former NFL player Terry Crews, left, was interviewed by CSUF communications student Rachel Robles. (Courtesy of Associated Students Inc.)<\/p>\n

A Passion for Storytelling in Film<\/p>\n

Fourth-year communications student Rachel Robles said she was honored to be part of an event that centered on storytelling and perseverance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As an ASI student programmer, Robles helps coordinate events across campus, including the Beyond the Conversation series. This year, she was selected to interview Crews on stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI found it very inspiring to hear how he has pivoted throughout his career, from artist to football player to successful actor. I value that as a growing artist myself,\u201d said Robles, who aspires to a career as an independent filmmaker. \u201cThis event allowed students to step out of their routines, grow and engage with perspectives beyond our campus community.\u201d<\/p>\n

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