Vernon Davis Talks Transition from Football to Entertainment, the Art of Collaboration, and More

Vernon Davis has gone from scoring touchdowns on the field to achieving them on the screen and in the studio. The legendary tight end recently hung up his cleats and began his journey as a storyteller with projects such as A Day to Die, Gasoline Alley, and Chariot, and hit singles like “Bounce Like Dis,” planting the seeds for what is sure to be an incredible career. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Vernon about that transition, his love for collaboration, and why preparation is key.

PC: Almost three years ago, you retired from football to pursue opportunities in business, film, and music. What’s been the greatest lesson that you’ve learned on the field that you’ve been able to bring to this next chapter in your career?
Vernon: Football teaches you discipline. It gives you a sense of humility and the tools to be successful in everything that you do. Preparation has been key. When you’re an athlete, you have to be as prepared as you possibly can be so you are ready for competition. It’s the same for the entertainment industry. You have to prepare to the point where you’re ready to perform.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career as a storyteller?
Vernon: I’d say it’s everything that I’ve experienced in my life. It’s given me insight, motivation, and inspiration to be able to come up with ideas and tell stories.

PC: You’ve quickly racked up the credits as an actor and producer. When you look back to the past few years, is there a moment that stands out?
Vernon: I’d say it’s being able to work with the people that I grew up watching on the screen like Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis. Being side by side with those guys has been breathtaking. You don’t wake up every day and find yourself acting alongside Bruce Willis or Morgan Freeman. That just doesn’t happen.

PC: As you’ve made your way into film and television, did you always know that you wanted to create your own production companies? What’s the backstory behind Reel 85 and Between the Lines Productions and the types of stories that you’re looking to create?
Vernon: I never planned to do any of this. When I started acting, I was like, “I think I want to produce.” Once I started producing, I said, “I need to come up with different ideas and concepts for the screen. That’s what I did. I started writing these movies in my mind. After I had an initial draft, I would seek out help with the formatting, and I’d collaborate with different writers to come up with even more ideas.

“Bounce Like Dis,” for example. I had the general story, but then working with different writers, we were able to come up with other creative ideas because you have all these different perspectives.

PC: How have your experiences as a producer impacted the way you approach your work as an actor and vice versa?
Vernon: It helps you understand the story better. When you become a creator, you see how the camera works. You know what the director wants from you in a certain scene. You start to add to your performance. It goes hand in hand.

PC: You have tons of projects in the works. Are there any that you can chat about at this time?
Vernon: We have “Bounce Like Dis” and “Tonic Groove” coming out soon. There’s a movie called Silent Kill that is supposed to be filmed in March. Then I have a couple of television shows that I came up with and I’m working on. There are a lot of things in the works. I call it planting seeds. When you want to achieve something, you have to plant a lot of seeds.

PC: What is your dream role?
Vernon: I’d like to bring a superhero to life. Superhero movies are the best.

PC: You’re also working on an album. Is there anything you can share about that? What do you hope to say through that medium?
Vernon: It’s about staying motivated, passionate, and inspired and giving back. When you’re creating as an artist, it’s about giving back to people. In music, you’re sharing a message. You’re talking about situations in your life. You’re talking about your experiences. It’s the same when you’re making movies. You’re giving audience stories that can motivate, entertain, and bring joy.

To keep up with Vernon, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Michael Avon