TV dad Ed O’Neill, famous for such sitcoms as Married… with Children and Modern Family, nearly began his career on the gridiron instead of the television screen. In 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed the 23-year-old O’Neill, a defensive lineman, as an undrafted free agent at the onset of the team’s dynasty run. However, having to compete for a roster spot with such future NFL legends as “Mean Joe” Greene and L. C. Greenwood, O’Neill didn’t make it past training camp.
After being cut by the Steelers, Ed O’Neill enrolled in the Youngstown State theater program and began a long and successful acting career.
SCREEN TIME WITH SAM 