Watch: Comedian Will Ferrell crashes USC football practice
Ron Burgundy. Ricky Bobby. Buddy the Elf.
Will Ferrell has had many roles throughout his award-winning acting career, but he got to play a new one on Friday as he visited the campus of his alma mater: an assistant football coach.
Ferrell, a University of Southern California alum, crashed the Trojans' practice on Friday, giving the team a mini pep talk before dropping to the ground and rolling around on the field.
Several Trojan players, including reigning Heisman Trophy winner and 2024 projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, as well as senior associate athletic director Dave Emerick, posted photos with Ferrell to their social media accounts.
An Irvine, Calif., native, Ferrell graduated from USC in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in sports information. He also studied sports broadcasting while at the school, and he’s remained a fan of USC athletics ever since.
Friday's appearance at football practice is not Ferrell's first. He's made frequent cameos at different sporting events over the years, notably supporting ex-Trojans coach and current Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and socializing with fans in the stands.
After graduating, Ferrell worked a string of odd jobs before deciding to make a go of full-time comedy in 1994. The 56-year-old comedian rose to fame during his time on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 2002.
He transitioned into full-time acting the following year, and his box-office hits include “Old School” and “Elf” (2003), “Anchorman” (2004), “Talladega Nights” (2006) and “Step Brothers” (2008).
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