5 Shocking Untold Stories From Joey Diaz's Time On The Longest Yard Set

Joey "CoCo" Diaz's role as the memorable inmate "Big Tony" in the 2005 remake of *The Longest Yard* is a fan favorite, yet the stories behind the scenes are far more chaotic and controversial than what appeared on screen. As of December 17, 2025, the Cuban-American comedian continues to discuss the experience on his popular podcasts, revealing a raw, unfiltered perspective on working with Hollywood heavyweights like Adam Sandler and the late Burt Reynolds.

The film, directed by Peter Segal, was supposed to be a major career turning point for Diaz, but the reality of the experience—from an intense on-set confrontation to a feeling of being ultimately "screwed over"—has become a legendary, uncensored tale in the world of stand-up comedy and podcasting.

The Uncensored Biography of Joey "CoCo" Diaz

José Antonio Díaz, better known as Joey "CoCo" Diaz, is renowned for his brutally honest, blue-collar comedy and his successful transition into acting and podcasting. His life story is as dramatic as any movie plot, providing the perfect foundation for his on-screen persona as Big Tony.

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• Full Name: José Antonio Díaz
• Born: February 19, 1963, in Havana, Cuba
• Nationality: Cuban-American
• Career: Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Podcaster, Author
• Early Life: Moved to the United States at a young age, growing up on the West Side of New York. He played defensive end for his high school football team, a detail that ironically mirrored his role in *The Longest Yard*.
• Breakthrough Role: While *The Longest Yard* (2005) is one of his most recognizable film roles, he has also appeared in major productions like *Spider-Man 2*, *Taxi*, *Grudge Match*, *My Name Is Earl*, and *The Many Saints of Newark*.
• Podcast Fame: He gained massive popularity as the host of *The Church of What's Happening Now* and as a frequent, highly-anticipated guest on *The Joe Rogan Experience*.

Big Tony: The Role That Was Supposed to Change Everything

In the 2005 remake, Joey Diaz played Big Tony, a hulking inmate who joins the Mean Machine football team. His character was a key defensive player in the climactic game against the guards, a role that leveraged his imposing presence and natural comedic timing.

For Diaz, getting the role was a monumental achievement, especially because the film was directed by Peter Segal, whom he would later work with again on *Grudge Match*. The set was an all-star environment, featuring Adam Sandler as Paul Crewe, Chris Rock as Caretaker, and the original film's star, Burt Reynolds.

The Immortal "Can a Corn" Line

Big Tony is perhaps best remembered for one simple, hilarious line delivered during a moment of football strategy. When the Mean Machine coach asks the team if they are ready, Tony, in his signature, slightly confused style, replies: "Can a corn. Can a corn I'll be fine." This line has become an enduring quote for fans of the movie and a staple of Diaz's comedic legacy, often cited as one of the film's three best characters.

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Despite his "flabby appearance," as he often joked, Diaz was a genuine football enthusiast, having played defensive end in high school and looking up to legends like New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor. This background gave his performance an authentic, albeit comedic, edge.

The Untold Stories and Why He Felt "Screwed Over"

The true intrigue of Joey Diaz's time on *The Longest Yard* set comes from the stories he has shared on his podcasts. These tales, often recounted with his signature raw energy, paint a picture of a chaotic, high-stakes production that left him with mixed feelings about his Hollywood experience.

1. The Tense Encounter with Burt Reynolds

One of the most famous behind-the-scenes anecdotes involves a confrontation with Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds, who starred in the 1974 original and played Coach Nate Scarborough in the remake. Diaz has recounted a moment where Reynolds, known for his old-school toughness, physically "roughed up" Diaz on set. The incident, while not malicious, was a tense, intimidating moment for the younger actor, highlighting the clash between the film's two generations of stars.

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2. The "Insane" Atmosphere with the Wrestlers

The Mean Machine roster was packed with professional wrestlers and athletes, including Bill Goldberg, Kevin Nash (Guard Engleheart), and The Great Khali (Turley). Diaz has described the environment around these massive figures as incredibly wild and "f***ed up." The sheer size and unpredictable energy of the wrestler cast created a memorable, if chaotic, set environment that he frequently discussed with Joe Rogan.

3. The Feeling of Being "Screwed Over" by Hollywood

Perhaps the most revealing story is Diaz's feeling that *The Longest Yard* did not provide the career boost he expected. He has openly discussed that he "Thought The Longest Yard Would Change My Life." Despite his memorable performance as Big Tony, the role failed to immediately launch him into the next tier of movie stardom.

This feeling of being "screwed over" is a recurring theme he shares, relating to both *The Longest Yard* and his recurring role on *My Name Is Earl*. He felt that his comedic talent and on-screen presence were underutilized by the industry, leading him to double down on his stand-up and podcasting career, which ultimately brought him greater, more authentic fame.

4. The Unexpected Payday and Financial Reality

While *The Longest Yard* was a major studio film, Diaz's initial earnings did not reflect the massive success of the movie. He has mentioned the financial realities of being a character actor, especially when comparing it to the massive paychecks of stars like Adam Sandler. The movie served more as a promotional tool for his stand-up career than a significant financial windfall, especially during a time when he was still struggling, even crashing on fellow comedian Doug Stanhope's couch.

5. The Director's Trust and Future Collaborations

Despite the drama, Diaz's performance clearly impressed director Peter Segal. The trust built on set led to a future collaboration, with Segal casting Diaz in the 2013 boxing comedy *Grudge Match*, starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro. This relationship proves that, while the immediate career launch may not have materialized, his work as Big Tony secured his place in Segal's comedic ensemble.

Joey Diaz's Enduring Legacy Beyond Big Tony

While *The Longest Yard* remains a highlight on his filmography, Joey Diaz’s true legacy is cemented in his unfiltered authenticity. His willingness to share the harsh realities of the film industry, the chaos of major movie sets, and his personal struggles has resonated deeply with millions of fans through his podcast, making him a cult figure far beyond the confines of a single movie role.

His stories about Big Tony, Burt Reynolds, and the Mean Machine are more than just behind-the-scenes gossip; they are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the greatest success is found not in the role itself, but in the raw, honest retelling of the journey. Joey "CoCo" Diaz continues to tour and release content, ensuring that his unique brand of comedy and his unforgettable role in *The Longest Yard* remain fresh in the public eye.