Rashard Higgins made a mark in Cleveland thanks to his infectious personality.
Nicknamed ‘Hollywood’ by his pee-wee football coach, the wide receiver lived up to his moniker years later by strolling down an imaginary red carpet to celebrate his NFL touchdowns.
Higgins was once known for his TD celebrations, but has now found a new callingCredit: Getty
Higgins stepped away from the league in 2024 following a seven-year career which saw him feature in 82 games for the Cleveland Browns, racking up 1,890 yards and 12 scores.
Despite a short spell with the Carolina Panthers in 2022, he returned to Cleveland last April to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Brown, cementing his place as a favorite amongst his teammates and fans.
Now, Hollywood Higgins has found a new purpose in life.
What does former NFL star Higgins do post-football?
Instead of turning to broadcasting in retirement, as many former pros like Tom Brady do, or turning to business like Derek Carr, 30-year-old Higgins has chosen a very different path.
Taking to social media last Friday, he revealed he has returned to his hometown of Dallas, Texas, and is now a firefighter.Higgins shared a number of pictures of himself alongside his Dallas Fire Department colleagues, and added Meek Mill’s song ‘Proud Of Me’ to the Instagram post.
“When football ended, I kept asking myself: What now? What’s next? If I became a stay-at-home dad, what kind of example would that be for my kids? They need to see drive. Purpose. A reason to keep pushing,” he wrote.
“I went to God. I opened my Bible. And one thing stood out: Jesus always put others before himself. That kind of love and selflessness – that’s what I want my life to reflect.
“Becoming a firefighter gives me that chance to show up when people need it most.
“To be the one running in when everyone else is running out. To save lives, or simply to stand beside someone on their worst day.
Higgins spent six seasons with the Browns before retiring in 2024Credit: Getty
He has now left football behind and joined the Dallas Fire DepartmentCredit: Instagram: @yeahthatswood
“I found God. I found my purpose. And the same rush I felt under the lights, is the same rush I get when I put on my boots and step into that fire.
“I’M HIM. BEEN HIM. STILL HIM.”
In a later comment, Higgins added: “I hope I make you proud.”
NFL fans praise Higgins for new career
News of the former wideout’s career change soon went viral online, with many football fans sharing messages of support for Higgins.
“This is special bro,” one person wrote.
“Freaking awesome mentality,” another responded.
Higgins announced his career change in his latest social media postCredit: Instagram: @yeahthatswood
He was loved in Cleveland and is now giving back to his hometown in TexasCredit: Instagram: @yeahthatswood
“This is bad a**, Hollywood! Love to see it bro,” a third wrote.
“This made my day. Keep going. My dad was a firefighter for 25 years. This is awesome,” a fourth commented.
What were the highlights of Higgins’ NFL career?
While his NFL stats don’t jump off the page, Higgins and his touchdown strut certainly caught the eye on a number of occasions.
He provided his best performances for the Browns against AFC North Division rivals.
Higgins’ best Browns performances came against division rivalsCredit: Getty
Hollywood set a career high for receptions against the Baltimore Ravens, and his career high receiving yards came at the Cincinnati Bengals.
The only multiple touchdown game of his career came in Pittsburgh, against the Steelers.
Higgins also made his mark off the field, and during his career, was active in the Cleveland community, volunteering at youth football, military appreciation and Special Olympics events.
Now, in retirement, he is giving back to his hometown of Dallas.
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