Terry Crews Teases Hidden References in His New 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' Operator Skin (Exclusive)
As part of the newest Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 season, 'America's Got Talent' host and actor Terry Crews will be joining the game today as a new Operator skin as The Replacer.
Ahead of the release, Men's Journal caught up with Crews, who detailed his involvement in the collaboration, his relationship with Call of Duty, teases of classic iconic references from his many roles in film and television, and even had a word of advice for game developers facing mass layoffs.
MJ: Call of Duty seems to be a big part of your life. I hear you have a gaming YouTube channel with your son. What does Call of Duty mean to you and your family?
Crews: Call of Duty has been a big part of how I connect with my son. I've spent a lot of time watching him play - seeing the focus, the strategy, the excitement. It's not just a game, it's a shared experience. It gave us moments together that really matter.
MJ: Many fans want to know - are there any references to your past acting or hosting roles in your new operator skin for Black Ops 7?
Crews: Oh yeah - if you know me, you'll feel it. There are definitely some nods in there. A little bit of that hosting energy from America's Got Talent, and some action vibes that fans of The Expendables will recognize. The energy, the presence - that's who I am, and it all carries over.
MJ: Can you talk a bit about how you were approached for this collaboration?
Crews: They came to me knowing this wasn't just a random fit. I've been connected to the culture for a long time through my family, and I've seen firsthand what this game means to people. That authenticity mattered - and we both felt it right away.
MJ: Why do you think Call of Duty has appealed to so many fans for as long as it has?
Crews: Because it connects. I've watched it pull people in - different generations, different backgrounds - and it gives them a space to compete, to bond, to escape. And it keeps evolving without losing its core.
MJ: What is your favorite Call of Duty game and why?
Crews: Watching my son, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 always stood out. The energy around that game, the way people talked about it - it felt like a moment in time.
MJ: You're an entertainment icon. Video games have been rising in recent years for entertainment, and fans expect creative gameplay, outstanding storytelling, and unforgettable experiences. What do you think video games offer that maybe film, television, or books do not?
Crews: It's interactive. You're not just watching a story - you're part of it. Even from the outside, I can see how deeply people get invested because they're in control of the experience.
MJ: Have you gotten to play as yourself in Black Ops 7 yet? What is that feeling like? Or even just seeing yourself in a franchise you have played for many years?
Crews: Seeing yourself in that world is wild. Even just watching it - it hits different. You realize you've become part of something people spend real time in. That's special.
MJ: The video game industry has been through a turbulent time since COVID-19. Do you have any words of wisdom or advice you'd like to offer those developers who have been affected by layoffs?
Crews: Your work matters more than you know. This industry runs on creativity and passion. Tough times don't define your talent - what you build next does. Stay ready, stay connected, and keep creating.
MJ: Was being in a video game ever a goal for you?
Crews: Absolutely, yes. I've always respected what gaming represents. When you see what it means to the culture - and what it means to my son - that's when it hits different. That's when it becomes more than just a moment.
MJ: What's your dream role to play for a video game adaptation?
Crews: I'd love to play someone with depth - strength, vulnerability, a real journey. Not just action, but a story that sticks with people.
The Terry Crews Operator Skin is available today for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.