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Looking Back at AGT Host Terry Crews' Fascinating Career

He is an entertainment industry veteran.

Terry Crews Gives Mike E. Winfield a Life-Changing Pep Talk | AGT: All-Stars 2023 | NBC

America's Got Talent has been an NBC classic since its start in 2006, but Terry Crews joining the AGT team in 2019 was a game-changer. Pec-popping his way to the stage during Season 14, Crews was instantly an AGT favorite due to his endless ability to support the Acts and hilariously banter with Judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel

Crews is AGT royalty, but his career outside the show is vast, as well. He's a former NFL star, plus a flautist, author, actor, and AGT Host all at once, which might seem overwhelming to some. But for Crews, that's just a regular Tuesday. 

Let's look back at some of the highlights in Crews' career before AGT: 

1991-1997: Who Is Terry Crews? Before AGT and his acting career

Crews went to Western Michigan University on an art scholarship. But after his freshman year, he tried out for the football team and earned a full athletic scholarship, which would kickstart his professional sports career. Drafted by the L.A. Rams in 1991, Crews spent the next six years bouncing around different NFL teams across the country, playing most of his games for the Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Commanders. Crews was unfortunately cut from rosters repeatedly, but luckily, he's creative. When Crews needed to supplement his football income, he would receive portrait commissions from his teammates. 

1997-2013: Terry Crews becomes a pec-popping comedy king

After Crews retired from the NFL in 1997, he quickly realized his passion for the entertainment industry. Moving to Los Angeles, Crews tried to break into Hollywood the way many aspiring creatives do: with small acting gigs and commercial work. 

After his hilarious role in the 2004 film White Chicks, Crews caught the attention of comedy icon Adam Sandler, who was casting for the football film The Longest Yard. He scored a role in that movie, stealing every scene he was in, and it led to a slew of other comedy projects. 

2013-2021: Terry Crews as Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Besides AGT, Crews' other most memorable project is probably playing Terry Jeffords in the NBC sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. One of the funniest Brooklyn Nine-Nine gags throughout its eight seasons is that Terry accidentally breaks things because of his incredible strength. 

2019- present: Terry Crews, the AGT Host and legend

Crews' AGT career began in 2019, and it wasn't the first time he hosted a show. From 2014 to 2015, he hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and he also hosted the Netflix series Ultimate Beastmaster

His popularity hosting AGT led Crews to become the Host for America's Got Talent: Extreme and AGT: All-Stars. See some of his AGT highlights in the videos, below. 

Terry Crews teaches pec-popping 101

Terry Crews and AGT: Extreme Judges race cars

Terry Crews' message to his Golden Buzzer recipient: the Detroit Youth Choir

World Taekwondo Demonstration Team get Terry Crews' AGT Golden Buzzer

Terry Crews shows off his flute skills at home

Watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine by streaming all 153 episodes on Peacock

Watch AGT on Peacock and NBC

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