John Daniel Matuszak (October 25, 1950 – June 17, 1989) was an American actor and professional football player whose imposing physical presence led to successful careers in both the NFL and Hollywood. Selected first overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1973 NFL Draft, he went on to play for several teams before enjoying his greatest success with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, winning Super Bowl XI and Super Bowl XV. Following his retirement from professional football, Matuszak transitioned into acting, frequently portraying physically imposing but charismatic characters. He appeared in films such as North Dallas Forty, Caveman, The Ice Pirates, and One Crazy Summer, but remains best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Lotney "Sloth" Fratelli in The Goonies (1985). The elaborate prosthetic makeup required several hours of application each day, and his heartfelt performance transformed Sloth into one of the most beloved characters in adventure cinema. Matuszak also made numerous television appearances before his life was cut short in 1989 at the age of 38, leaving a lasting legacy in both professional sports and popular culture.