Former NFL tight end starring in new thriller alongside Morgan Freeman

Vernon Davis spent years tormenting NFL defenses. For his latest act, he will go up against Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman.

A certain mismatch on the football field, Freeman should have better luck on the pages of a Hollywood script. 

In 'The Ritual Killer,' Freeman, a professor of African studies and partners with a detective played by Cole Hauser, is on the hunt for a serial killer played by Davis.

The 15-year NFL pro retired following the 2019 season and discussed his journey to the big screen with ESPN's John Keim.

"It's one of those roles you dream of having," Davis said. "The amount of work I've been able to put in after I retired is starting to pay off." Davis has worked alongside Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Luke Wilson since retiring from the gridiron and additionally has six upcoming projects in various stages of production.

Based on Davis' NFL film, it's not a surprise a casting director felt he would make a good serial killer. The former All-Pro 49ers tight end finished his career with 583 catches for 7,562 yards and 64 touchdowns while constantly instilling a sense of dread in his opponents. 

Among his most soul-crushing performances came in the 2011 divisional round against the New Orleans Saints, when he rocked seven receptions for 180 yards and the winning touchdown (which he scored with nine seconds remaining in regulation).