Fred Dryer

John Frederick Dryer (born July 6, 1946) is an American actor, radio host, and former professional football player who played defensive end in the National Football League for 13 years. Born and raised in Hawthorne, California, to Charles F. Dryer and Genevieve Nell (née Clark) Dryer, he played football at Lawndale High School in Lawndale, California. He attended El Camino Junior College before transferring to San Diego State University, and was named Athlete of the Year for his 1966 performance.

Dryer entered the NFL in 1969 and played through his retirement in 1981, appearing in 176 games with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. He recorded 103 career sacks and remains the only NFL player to score two safeties in a single game. At 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), his height and physique later proved useful for action roles.

Following his retirement from football, Dryer built a career as a film and television actor, most notably starring as the title character Detective Sgt. Rick Hunter in the NBC police drama series Hunter. He was inducted into the El Camino Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988 as a charter member.