Tyriq Withers opened up about leaving football behind to chase acting. The former Florida State athlete said the decision became an important part of finding himself. His move eventually led to major roles in “Him” and “Reminders of Him.” Now, Withers is building a promising Hollywood career while exploring more personal stories.
Tyriq Withers opened up about leaving football behind to chase acting.
Withers played football as a walk-on wide receiver at Florida State during 2016 and 2017. He later explained that leaving the sport was not initially about pursuing an acting career. “I didn’t leave to chase theater,” Withers told Variety. “I left it to find myself.” The decision forced him to question an identity that had revolved around sports.
Football had shaped much of Withers’ life from a young age. He said playing sports was partly about proving himself and making his mother happy. However, stepping away from the game created an identity crisis for the actor. “My identity was within sports,” he explained about his experience away from home.
Without football controlling his schedule, Withers had to confront emotions he previously pushed aside. He eventually realised acting could help him explore those feelings. He purchased acting lessons and earned his breakout role in an episode of “Atlanta.” His career expanded with roles in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Him.”
His personal experience also influenced his performances. Withers lost his older brother, Kionte, in a 2021 car accident. That loss became especially meaningful while filming “Reminders of Him.” His character helped care for his late best friend’s child.
Withers also connected his grief to “Him,” which centered on football and the pressures surrounding athletic success. He called the project an “uncomfortable exploration” of his grief with sports. “I could have kept playing,” Withers said, reflecting on his football career. However, he ultimately chose another path and embraced acting.
Now, Withers is preparing to star in “Love Love” alongside Isabel May. The film will mark another step forward in his evolving career. “Football, soccer – you were a big part of shaping who I am today, but this is my life,” he said.
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Originally reported by Saumya Srivastava for Mandatory
