Rapper Plies played football for Fort Myers High School from 1991 to 1993. Plies went by his real name Algernod Lanier Washington.
Many famous celebrities from different fields have been involved in sports activities in the past. Some even began their careers as an athlete.
Before their transition into acting or music, these celebs were enjoying their high school or college life enjoying their sport. Likewise, some personalities even took part as professional sports stars before getting into their respective sectors.
When we first think about such celebrities that turned from an athlete to actors/musicians, there are many names that come to mind, like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Terry Crews, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Similarly, in the context of American Football, you may be surprised to know that there is a good chunk of figures that were involved in playing this popular sport. US President Joe Biden was one of them, and there are others like Rapper Plies too.
Did Plies Play College Football?
Plies played college football for Miami University in Ohio as a wide receiver. He was involved in the program from 1995 to 1997.
The wide receiver was part of the Miami RedHawks team alongside receivers Scott Trostel, Tremayne Banks, Jay Hall, and Eric Henderson. Banks led the receiving yards in his roster (733) while Henderson followed second (308).
Plies received ample playing time for Miami University in the Mid-American Conference to showcase his athletic abilities. The rapper spent three seasons as a college football athlete.
Plies Still Talks About Football After Pursuing Music
Algernod Lanier Washington did not play football after leaving Miami University. After enrollment in the University of Central Florida, Plies eventually kickstarted his musical journey.
Plies went on to establish the Big Gates Records and release his first album ‘The Real Testament’ and a single called ‘Shawty’ in 2007.
Despite following a musical journey, he has not quite let go of his love for football. His Twitter account is filled with opinions about the game.
On 29 October 2021, the rapper voiced his opinion on Twitter regarding college recruiters. Nod posted a highlight of a great 5’8 player remarking how height does not matter if they have energy and talent.
Algernod gave a glimpse into his conversation with a college prospect on 19 May 2020. Though the prospect got calls from D2 schools, the athlete did not talk about it since it was not D1. The athlete was getting $72,000.
In 2022, Plies offered a message to High school athletes, their coaches, and parents. According to him, many were only caring about getting to the next level, but not winning. He gave an example of the Heisman Trophy which is only given to the best player of the ‘Best Team’.
Algernod Lanier Washington Football Highlights
Plies college football highlights cover his two receiving touchdowns for RedHawks in the 1996 season.
Algernod Washington played 31 games in his football career for Miami. Making 347 receiving yards in total, Nod made 36 receptions. He also garnered a negative -1 yard from his rushing, which decreased his scrimmage total to 346.
Nod displayed punt returns for three seasons straight, accumulated a total of 22 returns, and ran for 230 yards. However, the WR was not successful in making any touchdowns from those returns. Likewise, he also made 1 Kick return for 15 yards.
Under the leadership of head coach Randy Walker, Algernod contributed to the offense, which helped Miami gain an 8-2-1 record in the 1995 season. The college’s record in 1996 was 6-5.
Nod displayed his best performance in 1996 but eventually lost the team games to Akron, Army, Cincinnati, Bowling Green, and Indiana. The 1997 season saw him make the lowest receptions in his career. His team made an 8-3 win-loss record that year.
Plies College Football Stats
Plies played three seasons for Miami University ending his college football career with 347 receiving yards.
In his first year on the roster in 1995, Nod registered 69 yards from playing 11 games, as well as conducted 9 receptions. He averaged 7.7 yards per reception. Washington also contributed 29 yards from 8 punt returns in his first year.
Similarly, he also made a 15-yard kick return too. Sadly, Plies did not get any Touchdowns in his first season, but that would change in 1996.
Rapper Plies ended his 1996 season with 262 receiving yards and 25 receptions from 11 games. It was the personal best season for him compared to the other two.
When compared to other top players in 1996 like Marcus Harris who made 1650 receiving yards and Reggie Allen’s 1229, it was quite less for the rapper.
Final Season As a Wide Receiver
Algernod Washington’s last season for Miami included 16 yards of reception from 2 receptions and 9 matches. Nod covered 8 yards on average per reception.
Washington established 191 yards from 13 punt returns, averaging 14.7 yards. The rapper did not throw any TDs in his last season, nor had any gain from rushing yards in his career.
After the 1997 season, Nod joined the University of Central Florida. Plies dropped from his college subsequently and pursued music thereafter.
Plies Football Career
Plies football career began in his high school as a Defensive End and Wide Receiver.
A native of Fort Myers, Plies started his involvement in sports activities, particularly American Football. Nod also participated as a Homecoming King during his varsity years.
Sam Sirianni Jr, who served as the Fort Myers’ offensive coordinator during Algernod’s football time, stated how the rapper had always wanted to prove himself and this was a recipe that eventually launched him to success.
Sam remarked on an instance of how Nod had told him that the WR wanted to stand out from players like all-state QB Rod Gadson and Tackle Keith Drayton. Sirianni Jr also had complete faith in Washington’s WR role in key spots.
Some other famous celebrities who played football in their school or college years:
- Channing Tatum
- Will Ferrell
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Sam Hunt
- Forest Whitaker
- Darius Rucker
- Dean Cain
- Trace Adkins
- Phil McGraw
- Kenny Chesney