Remember Dani Rojas from Ted Lasso? The guy who shouted "Football is life!" Well, Cristo Fernandez is trying to make that quote a reality. The 35-year-old actor just played 30 minutes in a preseason friendly for El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship.
This isn't just a publicity stunt. Fernandez is on trial with the team, and they're expected to make a decision on a professional contract this week. If signed, he'd become the oldest player on El Paso's roster, ahead of 33-year-old defender Arturo Ortiz.
For betting fans following the USL Championship, this could be an interesting storyline to watch. El Paso might see increased attention and fan interest if Fernandez signs, potentially affecting attendance and team morale going forward.
From Academy Player to Hollywood Star
Fernandez has serious football credentials. He came through the Tecos FC academy in Mexico until he was 15. He even played in Puerto Rico's First Division with Guayama FC, where his team nearly qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League.
But two major knee injuries forced him to step away from the game. Instead of giving up entirely, Fernandez shifted gears. He earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and later got his master's in acting from the Guildford School of Acting in England.
His acting career took off big time. Besides Ted Lasso, he's appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home and voiced Wheeljack in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. He's even written 37 screenplays and won a 2022 award with the Ted Lasso cast for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble.
What This Means for Ted Lasso Season 4
Here's the million-dollar question: What happens to Dani Rojas if Fernandez signs as a pro? Season 4 of Ted Lasso is filming in London right now and expected this summer. Fernandez hasn't been confirmed for the new season yet, though he told Screen Rant he'd return "for free."
At 35, Fernandez might be past his athletic prime. But his story is exactly what makes football beautiful. A former academy player who lost his dream to injury, found success in Hollywood, and now gets another shot at the professional game.
If El Paso signs him, expect USL Championship matches featuring the Locomotive to draw more eyeballs. That increased visibility could make El Paso an interesting team to follow this season, both for entertainment value and potential overperformance if the squad rallies around their celebrity signing.
