NEWS

By Rachel Deahl | February 11, 2007
Boston Globe Magazine

Are there similarities between acting and pro football?

A tremendous amount of similarities. As a defensive back, which is what I played, you get beat. You don't get your way a lot of the time. We're reacting and trying to block out boos and cheers from the crowd, the noise, the cold weather, the pain you might have, and do your job. Also, in Hollywood, you hear 99 nos to get one yes. It's the same thing with football.

You left the Pats after an injury?

I got injured and went to another team. After that, I became a journeyman player trying to go from team to team to see where my next move would be. But at the same time, I started getting phone calls from some of the alums from Dartmouth College [his alma mater], saying, "If things don't work out with football, we have some opportunities for you." One of the things I did is I became a licensed stockbroker.

You got into dance at Dartmouth and then, back in Boston after college, started Phunk Phenomenon Urban Dance Theater.

The purpose for Phunk wasn't just to dance, it was to educate children and inspire dialogue and discussion between the youth about social issues and race issues.

So you're a broker with a dance company. How did that lead to acting?

I gave [football] one last shot, came out to LA and met with my sports agent in a club - I was trying to go to the Raiders. While we were in that meeting, we were approached by a casting director. She offered me the opportunity to audition for a TV series called Moesha. I went to audition the next day, and I got the job.

This year, you've returned to dance in the new movie Stomp the Yard. Did your training lead you in that direction?

I specifically stayed away from doing sports-or dance-themed films when I came out to LA, because I didn't want to be pigeonholed. So having made my way somewhat, I decided this was the perfect time to try something like this.

You are also in Daddy's Little Girls with Gabrielle Union. What's the role?

Gabrielle kisses a lot of frogs before she meets her prince, and I am the chief frog.

Your dad was Celtic JoJo White. What was the best part of being the son of an NBA star?

I got to grow up watching games from the bench. I also got to meet my idols. Red Auerbach is one of them, and he was actually the first person who encouraged me to go to Dartmouth.

Why the NFL and not the NBA?

I played basketball in high school, but there was never enough contact in it for me. My dad was a finesse player - he's known for having one of the most true shots in basketball - but what excited me was lining up against another guy on the football field and being able to have that physical contact with him.

You're in LA. What do you miss about home?

They have fine teams out here, but I'm always wearing the wrong colors when I go to the games.

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