Taylor's career may be following The Rock's path

by Alex Marvez

Updated: May 25, 2008, 4:24 PM EST 125 comments

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson understands Taylor's struggle as the Miami Dolphins defensive end decides between staying in the NFL or pursuing an acting career.

Johnson left stardom in a form of sports entertainment — professional wrestling — to chase the same dream. With a slew of hit movies and close to nine figures of earnings now under his belt, Johnson knows he followed the right script.

Johnson told FOXSports.com that he has spoken with Taylor about making the transition from tackler to thespian. Taylor displayed heartthrob charisma during his recent runner-up finish on "Dancing with the Stars."

Johnson, though, has warned his long-time friend that show business is no waltz in the park.

"My advice to Jason, as with all the athletes I know who want to pursue careers in the film and television industry, has always been the same," Johnson wrote in an e-mail from the set of his new movie Return to Witch Mountain.

"Don't underestimate how difficult acting is. While it's incredibly rewarding, the creative process is a daunting one. What's important to always remember is that the same intense drive and dedication to your sport you have now has to be carried over and applied to your new career."

Taylor has caught the same acting bug that Johnson did in 2000 when filming a supporting role in The Mummy Returns. Even though his "Dancing With the Stars" stint ended Tuesday night, Taylor continues to hobnob with studio executives about potential projects.

Taylor told FOXSports.com last October that he declined a bit part in a movie starring Robert DeNiro because filming conflicted with his NFL training. The Dolphins were well en route to a 1-15 record at the time, but Taylor didn't regret the decision.

"To take (acting) classes and audition, it's time-consuming," said Taylor, who had already appeared in numerous television commercials. "Right now, I need to focus on this sport."

Taylor probably won't be partaking in Miami's latest rebuilding project. Rather than embracing the positive exposure he is bringing to the team and NFL, Dolphins executive vice president Bill Parcells is upset that Taylor isn't participating in Miami's offseason workout program. Parcells reportedly snubbed Taylor when he visited team headquarters in April.

New Dolphins coach Tony Sparano then said Wednesday that Taylor wouldn't be participating in any of the team's remaining offseason workouts or reporting to training camp. Sparano added that he wouldn't answer any more questions about the franchise's all-time sack leader because he only wanted to discuss players "that have been busting their butt for nine weeks here."

FOXSports.com has learned that Miami is involved in active trade negotiations with at least one club. The Dolphins tried dealing Taylor before last month's NFL Draft but the asking price was too high. Taylor's age (he turns 34 in September), salary ($7.5 million in 2008) and potentially tenuous commitment to football also dissuaded potential suitors.

If traded, Taylor faces a difficult choice. He can continue his pursuit of the Super Bowl ring that has eluded him through 11 standout NFL seasons. Or Taylor can retire to take advantage of the Tinseltown momentum generated from his "Dancing With the Stars" appearances.

Taylor cha-cha'd his way into the hearts of "Dancing With the Stars" viewers, many of whom were female and non-football fans. Some became dazzled by his good looks and charm. Others were impressed by his drive to succeed, as he had hesitantly entered the show with no previous dance experience. Taylor may never be a hotter Hollywood commodity than right now.

Johnson faced a similar conflict earlier this decade. With his father (Rocky Johnson) and late grandfather ("High Chief" Peter Maivia) being prominent pro wrestlers, Johnson was a natural once he abandoned a short-lived Canadian Football League career in the mid-1990s. He became World Wrestling Entertainment's youngest heavyweight champion, "winning" the belt only three years after his professional debut.

Like the emotional rush Taylor experiences on the gridiron, Johnson says nothing in acting can replace "that feeling of performing nightly to crowds of amped-up fans." But it was an appearance hosting "Saturday Night Live" in 2000 that got Johnson thinking about shifting to a less physically demanding form of drama.

Originally typecast in action-adventure movies, Johnson's roles have evolved into drama (Southland Tales) and kid-oriented fare. Johnson starred in The Game Plan, a Disney vehicle that grossed more than $110 million domestically last year, and he has a supporting role in the new Get Smart comedy set for a June 20 release.

"What was contagious about Hollywood was the new challenge of not only becoming a really good actor but a very strong box-office presence," Johnson said. "Making movies never 'lured' me from professional sports. I had the great fortune of playing football for 10 years and wrestling full-time for an additional six. I just felt it was time for me to move on."

Should Taylor do the same? The Rock says ...

"His dominance on the football field has been a pleasure to watch," said Johnson, himself a former defensive lineman at the University of Miami. "I would love to see him and (former Dolphins linebacker) Zach Thomas have a Super Bowl ring on their fingers before leaving the game. But whatever decision Jason makes, he has my support."