In the new HBO comedy-drama Ballers, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL player who now suits up as a financial advisor to pro athletes. One of his clients is Ricky Jerret, a hot-headed wide receiver whose unruly behavior off the field might jeopardize his career.
Ricky is portrayed by John David Washington, son of Oscar winning actor Denzel Washington. Ballers is the acting debut for the 30-year-old former football player. (St. Louis Rams signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2006 and he played for Morehouse College.) John David Washington did appear as a student in a Harlem classroom in Malcolm X but that was in 1992. His next big project is the musical drama Coco. Rapper Azealia Banks plays Coco, an aspiring hip-hop artist who discovers the world of slam poetry. Common, Jill Scott co-star. Ballers airs Sundays at 10pm on HBO.