The “Old Spice Guy” made a surprise appearance during this year’s Super Bowl, showing up in one of the fan-favorite Tide commercials.

But Isaiah Mustafa’s experience with football goes much deeper.

“The man your man could smell like” actually played on practice squads for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns before transitioning full-time into acting.

Mustafa told Cheddar his current job has some advantages.

“You don’t get yelled in acting,” he joked. “Nobody wants to get on you, because they’re like, ‘Oh, don’t upset the actors.’ But I prefer someone just saying it, you don’t have to yell, but just being direct is great.”

For the full interview, click here.