NFL Star Trades Tackles for Cameras at Sundance

NFL Defensive End Jalyn Holmes, previously with the New York Jets and now with the Washington Commanders, has transitioned from the football field to the film industry, with his pilot "FreeLance" selected for the Sundance Film Festival. This achievement makes him the first player from the NFL's film and TV training program to have a project featured at a major festival.

Holmes serves as an associate producer and investor on "FreeLance," a comedy about a rookie filmmaker and his creative circle pursuing their dreams in a competitive industry. The pilot stars actors like Spence Moore II and former NFL player Lou Young III. The program, spearheaded by filmmaker Deon Taylor, aims to demystify Hollywood for athletes.

Taylor, who also began his career as an athlete, established the NFL Career Tour to provide players with insights into filmmaking, acting, and industry navigation. The program has attracted notable NFL players like Kyler Murray and Cam Heyward, offering them exposure to various facets of filmmaking through guest speakers and studio tours.

Holmes, drawing on his eight years in the NFL and experience with setbacks, approaches the entertainment industry with resilience. He views rejections as motivators, a mindset honed by his football career. His deep dive into cinema, including studying scripts and film structure, reflects his burgeoning passion for storytelling.