Eddie George to star in Broadway musical ‘Chicago’

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 19: Eddie George of the television show American Dream Builders speaks during the NBC portion of the 2014 Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Langham Hotel on January 19, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) If you’re a fan of musical theater and will be in New York City in January or February, you’ll be able to catch former NFL star running back Eddie George in the latest revival of “Chicago.”

George, who rushed for just over 10,000 yards in his eight-years with the Oilers/Titans (he spent his final season with the Cowboys in 2004), pursued his passion for acting after he retired. He has built his theater credentials with title roles in “Othello” and “Julius Caesar” at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, “The Whipping Man” at Nashville Reperatory Theater and has also appeared in NBC’s “American Dream Builders” and “The Best Man Holiday” film.

George will play the male lead, Billy Flynn, in “Chicago,” the character movie fans will remember was played by Richard Gere in the movie version released in 2002. It’s a seven-week run at the Ambassador Theatre that begins Jan. 11 and ends Feb. 28.

Now 42 years old, George told Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman he auditioned for the role early this year.

“I didn’t think I got the role,” George said, “because I didn’t hear back about the audition for six months.”

But he found out he got the role in August, making him perhaps the first NFL star to have “Broadway actor” on his post-career resume.

“The challenge of life after playing the game is different for everyone,” George said. “I went through my struggles leaving the game. … It hasn’t been easy. There’s been a lot of doubt and fear. But I didn’t want to be a football player and fade to black.”