Famous athletes off the field

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Before he was The Bandit and a 1970s Hollywood sex symbol, he was a Florida State running back. (Getty photo)

Upon learning of his death at age 66 this week, football fans may have remembered Bubba Smith as one of most fearsome defensive players of the 1960s, a stalwart in college at Michigan State and a key player in leading the Baltimore Colts to a victory in Super Bowl V. But he probably was just as well known to some people for his appearances in Miller Lite commercials or as an actor in movies and television. In fact, in the hours after his death, the word "Hightower" -- a reference to his character Moses Hightower in the Police Academy films -- was a trending topic on Twitter. Here are some other notable, some not-so-notable, and one infamous athlete who became as well known for their roles away from sports as they were in competition: -- Tim Stephens / Tribune Newspapers