After being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991, Crews spent five years bouncing between six professional teams, including one in Germany.
"I would have made more money at McDonald's," Crews, 55, said.
It's unclear how much money Crews made in total during his NFL career, which included 32 games for the Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins.
The Chargers now play in Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.'s team is now called the Commanders.
When his ex-teammate stopped lending him money, Crews took a job sweeping factory floors for $8 per hour, he said.
Persons:
Terry Crews, Crews, Dax Shepard's, I'd, —
Organizations:
National Football League, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, NFL, Rams, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, The Chargers, Washington D.C, National Bureau of Economic Research, CNBC
Locations:
Germany, Wisconsin, McDonald's, Los Angeles, Washington, skylines