Denzel Washington 'Glad' His Son Quit Pro Football: 'He Had I Don't Know How Many Concussions'

Denzel Washingtonis very happy his actor son John David, 33, gave up his first post-college career, playing professional football, to turn to acting.

“He’s had I don’t know how many concussions, a broken collar bone, a torn up knee and Achilles [tendon],” Washington told PEOPLE of his son’s brief NFL career. “No, I’m glad it’s over.”

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The Equalizer 2star went on to say that he’s proud that his eldest son has made his own way in Hollywood — which in addition toBallersincludes a role in Spike Lee’s buzzed-about new filmBlacKkKlansman— without relying on any major help from his dad.

“That’s my son, I love my boy and I’m just happy he’s his own man, he’s independent,” says Washington. “He’s really good at what he does, and the fact that he’s been fighting to make his own mark, he didn’t want any help from me, I didn’t help him get ontoBallersor anything like that. The only way I helped him get intoBallerswas introducing him to football as a kid, so maybe that helped. But I’m just proud of he and all my children (John David, Katia, 30, twins Olivia and Malcolm, 27). My wife did a great job, they are good kids. Humble, hard-working, not afraid of hard work, that’s all you can ask for.”

The Equalizer 2opens in theaters Friday.

source: people.com