From the Gridiron to Hollywood: Isaac Keys' Journey from NFL to Power Book IV: Force
Isaac Keys, known for his role as Diamond Sampson in Power Book IV: Force, had a unique journey that led him from playing football in the NFL to acting in the Power universe. Originally from St. Louis, Keys shared his experiences on The Crew Has It podcast with Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo, discussing his transition from college football to the professional league and eventually to the entertainment industry.
Keys' path to the NFL was unconventional, as he walked on at multiple colleges before earning a scholarship at Morehouse College. Despite going undrafted, he signed with several NFL teams and even played in the CFL. When his football career ended, Keys faced challenges in finding his next path. Initially considering personal training, he eventually pursued acting in Los Angeles, where he honed his skills at Tasha Smith's acting studio.
His breakthrough in television came with a recurring role on Get Shorty, but it was his experience working alongside seasoned actors that solidified his belief in his acting abilities. This confidence carried into his audition for Power Book IV: Force, where he connected with the character of Diamond and ultimately landed the role after a successful chemistry read with Joseph Sikora.
Throughout his time on Power, Keys' portrayal of Diamond resonated with fans, and he found the experience of filming his character's final scenes to be emotional, especially amidst personal loss. Despite missing out on a role in Draft Day, which was later given to Chadwick Boseman, Keys expressed admiration for Boseman's talent and was grateful for the opportunities that came his way in the industry.
In addition to his acting career, Keys recently authored a book titled The Grind Don't Stop, It Just Changes, where he reflects on his journey from football to Hollywood and the challenges he faced along the way. His story serves as a testament to resilience and the ability to adapt to new opportunities in pursuit of one's passions.