Sylvester Stallone pays tribute to late 'Rocky' co-star, former NFL LB Carl Weathers

There likely could be no Rocky Balboa if not for Apollo Creed. The two were the yin and yang of the fictional boxing world. They evolved from competitors to tight friends, with Rocky avenging Apollo’s death.

In real life, Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers, the two actors who played the two pop culture icons created a half century ago, were close friends. Weathers, the former NFL linebacker turned actor, died this week. His family said the 76-year-old passed away peacefully in his sleep. His death stunned Weather’s friends like Stallone. So the guy who brought Rocky to life talked about what Weathers meant to him.

Stallone filmed a video in front of a portrait that showed Apollo and Rocky boxing in a ring. He then posted the video on Instagram with the caption: “We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching.”

And in the video, Stallone said of his friend: “Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realize how great.” 

Stallone added: “I never could have accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss. … “He was magic. And I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So Apollo, keep punching.”

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Before Rocky, Carl Weathers played linebacker for the Raiders

Weathers played pro football starting in 1970, when the Oakland Raiders signed him as an undrafted free agent. He played both linebacker and safety. But legendary coach John Madden cut Weathers, telling him he was “too sensitive” to play football. By 1974, he began acting full time.

Stallone wrote and directed Rocky, the 1976 movie that became the biggest hit of the year. And Weathers was the perfect choice for Apollo Creed, the world heavyweight boxing champ who seemed a lot like Muhammad Ali. The movie received 10 Academy Award nominations, winning three, including Best Picture.

Apollo beat Rocky in the first movie. Apollo Creed also was a character in Rocky II, III and IV. There were six Rocky movies, but Apollo died in the fourth installment at the hands of Ivan Drago, the massive fighter from the Soviet Union. Rocky tried to get Apollo to quit the fight as Drago kept pounding him. Apollo died in Rocky’s arms. At the end of the movie, Rocky knocked out Drago in the 15th round.

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Dolph Lundgren portrayed Drago. And like Stallone, Lundgren also paid tribute to the memory of Carl Weathers after Weathers’ death.

Lundgren wrote: “I was saddened to hear the news this morning. Along with the world, I will miss Carl. He was a great actor, a terrific athlete and a good friend. I cherish many special memories of Carl, both professionally and personally. Like Apollo Creed, he had that special charm that always brought a smile to your face.”