Carl Weathers, the N.F.L. linebacker turned actor known for playing Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” movies in an acting career that spanned more than four decades, died on Thursday. He was 76.
His family said that Mr. Weathers had “died peacefully in his sleep.” No cause of death was given.
Mr. Weathers played the boxer Apollo Creed who fought against Sylvester Stallone in the first four “Rocky” movies. He also notably played Chubbs Peterson in the golf comedy “Happy Gilmore,” which featured Adam Sandler.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Weathers displayed his range in several roles on film and television. He played Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” and he also appeared on “Chicago Justice” and “Chicago P.D.”
Mr. Weathers was a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders from 1970 to 1971, and he later briefly played in the Canadian Football League. After retiring from playing in professional football, he pursued a career in acting in the 1970s.
A full obituary will follow.