Michael Papajohn was on the first LSU baseball team that went to the College World Series. He would then go on to get drafted by the Texas Rangers, but he turned them down, which allowed his film career to develop shortly thereafter. As it happens, his movie career began on Everybody’s All-American, the film that follows an LSU football star who tries to find his way in life after the glory days have faded.

In that film, Papajohn was taking hits for Dennis Quad.  He made an impression on director Taylor Hackford, who helped him get established as a stuntman.  Papajohn soon discovered that he enjoyed performing, and that transitioned into an extensive acting career. This summer he had roles in both Jurassic World and American Ultra. Recently he’s also been featured on Nashville (the TV show), Selma, and Nightcrawler, but to many he’s best known as the guy who killed Uncle Ben in Spider-Man.

Papajohn recently came on The nsavides Podcast and we discussed his recent work, his transition from stuntman to actor, and how to succeed in an industry that involves taking hard hits again and again, whether physically or emotionally. Stick around to the end, and you’ll hear our sports predictions for this year’s World Series and College Football Championships. Plus, I make a bold commitment if certain sports-related things happen this year.

Listen to the Podcast