Former Nebraska DE Randy Gregory has spent some time in rehab for substance abuse during his Dallas Cowboys career. Naturally, Cowboys coaches, players and fans have all offered messages of support to Gregory. One of the more surprising sources of support was none other than Sir Anthony Hopkins.

The Hollywood star left a lasting impression on Gregory.

“I met Sir Anthony Hopkins during what you might call my ‘travels,”’ Gregory told 247Sports. “An amazing person.”

Gregory was plenty familiar with Hopkins’ most famous work.

“He’s played all these incredible roles in the movies — I’ve seen all ‘The Silence of the Lamb’ movies,” Gregory said. “But yet he’s just a normal person, a nice person.”

The Husker great is appreciative of everyone who has helped him along his journey, including Hopkins.

“I’m thankful that so many people have helped me on this journey, some of them because they’ve been on this journey themselves,” Gregory says, “all pitching in in some way.”