Matt Green writes in "The Amazing Life of Jamie Foxx," that the actor was popular with teachers and classmates.

Foxx, whose real name is Eric Marlon Bishop, had aspirations to play for the Dallas Cowboys. In high school, he played basketball and was a quarterback on the football team. He was the first player in his school to make a pass for over 1,000 yards.

However, music was also a big part of his life. Foxx was also a part-time pianist and choir leader at his baptist church. In addition, he was in a short-lived band called Leather and Lace. Foxx ended up receiving a music scholarship from the United States International University.